The White Sox have won five games in a row, and slugger Munetaka Murakami didn’t homer or drive in a run in any of them.
That’s how well things are going for the Sox (22-21), who beat the Royals 6-2 on Thursday night to move above .500 after 40-plus games for the first time since the penultimate game of the 2022 season, when they were 81-80.
While Murakami is mired in a 2-for-18 rut (with six walks) during the Sox’ run, others are providing the pop. On Thursday, it was Randal Grichuk, who went 2-for-3 with four RBI, including a two-run homer in the first that wiped out a 1-0 deficit. It was his third homer in eight games with the Sox, who signed the 13-year veteran May 4.
“He can really do damage against lefties,” manager Will Venable said. “It’s nice to be able to go find that midseason. He’s been doing it for a long time. We were really excited to be able to get him when [outfielder Austin] Hays went down. For us to grab that guy, it’s huge.”
With two outs in the first, Royals left-hander Kris Bubic walked Murakami. Then Grichuk hit a 2-2 pitch 401 feet to center field. In the third, Grichuk faced Bubic with the bases loaded and lined a two-run single to center.
“I know I’ve hit well against lefties, and that’s something I haven’t wavered from,” Grichuk said. “The results might not [always] be there, but the at-bats and the barrels are still there. So I go in with confidence knowing that that’s what I’m here for, and hopefully the results [follow].”
Sox lefty Anthony Kay threw a career-high six innings for his first quality start in 14 career starts. He lasted one batter into the seventh, when Kyle Isbel’s triple ended his day. After using righty Tyler Davis for six batters and lefty Sean Newcomb for four Wednesday, Venable went back to them. Davis completed the seventh, and Newcome closed it out for his first save of the season.
Next up on the nine-game homestand are the Cubs, who will help fill Rate Field and supercharge the atmosphere all weekend.
“I love playing against the Cubs,” said Grichuk, who faced them as part of another rivalry with the Cardinals in 2014-17, his first years in the majors. “They have a great fan base. They bring the energy. Hopefully, our fans come out and yell for us. Those are always fun games.”