White Sox Trio Powers Team to Victory Against Rays

5 days ago 0

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The Chicago White Sox trio of Miguel Vargas, Munetaka Murakami, and Colson Montgomery delivered a powerful performance Friday. They each hit home runs in the same game for the fifth time this season. This feat matches the major league and franchise records according to Elias.

“Having three guys who can hit well is a threat to the opposing team,” Murakami said through an interpreter. “We aim to continue contributing to team wins.”

Andrew Benintendi also hit a home run as the Sox secured a 6-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field in front of 20,661 fans. Vargas, Murakami, and Montgomery joined Joe Crede, Paul Konerko, and José Valentín from 2004 as notable Sox trios. The last MLB trio to achieve this was Cody Bellinger, Corey Seager, and Joc Pederson of the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2019.

“Having those guys in the lineup do that five times is special,” Sox manager Will Venable said. “Tonight was crucial. Facing a good pitcher, Colson finally capitalized on an opportunity,” Venable remarked. The win helped the Sox extend their lead in the American League Central, now three games ahead of the Cleveland Guardians, who lost to Arizona.

“He continues to make solid contact,” Venable said of Vargas. Vargas hit his 23rd homer with two outs into center field, traveling 433 feet at 107.8 mph.

Benintendi’s 11th home run went 405 feet. “He’s consistent and has been hitting well recently,” Venable added.

Murakami increased the lead to 4-0 with his two-run homer, his 24th, in the third inning. “He’s covering everything,” Venable noted.

Junior Caminero’s solo home run brought the Rays’ only run in the fourth inning. Sox starter Erick Fedde pitched five innings, allowing one run on four hits and striking out six. “This was one of my better games this year,” Fedde stated.

Montgomery’s two-run homer in the sixth extended the lead to 6-1, his team-high 25th home run. “When Vargas or Mune hits a homer, it relieves pressure,” Montgomery said. “Our offense is starting to sync.”