White Sox's Murakami Ties MLB Rookie Record with Homer in Fifth Straight Game

PHOENIX -- Chicago White Sox first baseman Munetaka Murakami tied a Major League Baseball rookie record by hitting a home run in his fifth straight game during a matchup against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Murakami hit a 451-foot two-run home run to right-center field off Diamondbacks reliever Ryan Thompson in the seventh inning.

The hit reduced Arizona's lead to 10-7, though the Diamondbacks ultimately won the game 11-7. This was Murakami's 10th home run of the season, with eight occurring on the road.

Research, Murakami became the 13th MLB rookie since at least 1900 to homer in five consecutive games. He also tied the White Sox franchise record for home runs in consecutive games, a mark shared by A.J. Pierzynski in 2012, Paul Konerko in 2011, Carlos Lee in 2003, Frank Thomas twice in 1994, Ron Kittle in 1983, and Greg Luzinski in 1983.

White Sox manager Will Venable stated that Murakami continues to make effective swing decisions and hard contact. Venable noted that even Murakami's singles are hit hard and described the performance as impressive.

10 home runs rank second in Major League Baseball, behind Houston's Yordan Alvarez, who has 11. These 10 home runs are the most by a Japanese-born player in MLB history through their first 24 career games. The Japanese first baseman's streak contributes to his early-season output in his rookie year with the White Sox.