Murakami and Kay Lead White Sox to Win Over Twins, Ending Four-Game Streak

The Chicago White Sox opened their seven-game homestand with a 4-1 victory over the Minnesota Twins, extending their winning streak against Minnesota to seven games, the club’s longest run in the matchup since 1995. The White Sox also took the first game of the season series between the American League Central rivals.

Japanese rookie Munetaka Murakami tied the game 1-1 in the first inning with his 18th home run, a 375-foot drive to right field. It was his first homer since he hit two in a win over the Cubs on May 16. Chicago answered in the second inning when Drew Romo hit his fifth home run after Tristan Peters drew a leadoff walk, giving the White Sox a 2-1 lead.

Rikuu Nishida made a memorable big league debut for Chicago, collecting his first major league hit with a single in the fourth inning. He also made an impact defensively in the second, throwing out Orlando Arcia at the plate when Arcia tried to score from second on Alex Jackson’s single to right. That play helped preserve Chicago’s early lead.

White Sox left-hander Kay delivered a strong start to improve to 4-1. He allowed five hits and one run over six innings, striking out five and walking one. Over his last four starts, he has gone 3-0 with a 1.61 ERA, continuing a strong stretch for Chicago’s rotation.

Minnesota’s offense was limited despite a solid night from Brooks Lee, who homered for the Twins. The Twins had entered the game having won six of their previous seven, but they could not break through against Kay and the White Sox bullpen. Starter Zebby Matthews took the loss, falling to 1-2 after giving up three runs and five hits in six innings.

The Twins threatened in the fifth inning by putting runners on the corners with two outs, but Kay escaped the jam when Austin Martin fouled out. Chicago added late support and closed the game with Seranthony Domínguez pitching the ninth for his 11th save in 14 chances.

The White Sox continue their series against Minnesota with right-hander Joe Ryan scheduled to start for the Twins and Chicago’s Sean Burke set to take the mound in Tuesday’s matchup.