Chicago White Sox rookies Munetaka Murakami and Tristan Peters both have five-game homer streaks this season, making the White Sox the first team in MLB history to have two rookies with such streaks in the same season. The White Sox are in the midst of a fantastic season, utilizing their young talent to propel themselves to first place in the AL Central with a 70-63 record on the year. Both Murakami and Peters are a big part of their success, as both have had fantastic seasons in their own right.
Murakami got off to a hot start in MLB, hitting 12 homers and tallying 23 RBIs through the month of April. His streak came that same month, hitting a homer in each of the White Sox's three games against the A's before going yard in the first two games of their series against the Arizona Cardinals. He suffered an injury at the end of May, not making his return until July, but picked up right where he left off.
In July, Murakami had a .927 OPS with hour homers and 10 RBIs. On the year, the Japanese-born slugger has 29 homers and 58 RBIs—posting an .860 OPS in the process. Peters, a former Banana Ball player, has been with the team all season, and is a reliable option in the outfield for the South Siders.
He hit for the cycle earlier in the season, also against the Athletics, and has a .821 OPS with 12 homers and 51 RBIs this season. His streak began against the New York Mets on Aug. 22, homering in the final two games of their home series. He carried his momentum into the White Sox's series against the Texas Rangers, homering in all three games to extend his streak to five.
The duo are sure to contribute to the remainder of the season, and have the opportunity to take a commanding lead in the division over their next two series against the Minnesota Twins and Houston Astros—both of whom are fresh off of series losses to the Athletics. The White Sox's next game comes against the Twins Friday at 7:10 p.m.
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