Chicago White Sox Trio’s Historic Homers Boost Victory

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Chicago White Sox saw a notable performance from Miguel Vargas, Munetaka Murakami, and Colson Montgomery on Friday. The three players each hit home runs in their game against the Tampa Bay Rays for the fifth time this season. This achievement ties both the major-league record, occurring for the tenth time, and the franchise record, for only the second time.

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

White Sox director of hitting, Andrew Benintendi, also contributed with a home run, aiding the team in a 6-1 victory at Tropicana Field with an attendance of 20,661. This feat places Vargas, Murakami, and Montgomery alongside the 2004 trio of Joe Crede, Paul Konerko, and José Valentín, who similarly achieved the same record for the franchise. The last MLB trio to accomplish this was Cody Bellinger, Corey Seager, and Joc Pederson of the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2019.

Sox manager Will Venable remarked, “To see these guys do this five times in a row is significant, and it was crucial tonight. Colson’s at-bat against the Rays starter, Nick Martinez, eventually resulted in him getting a hit, showing great perseverance.”

The win extended the Sox’s lead in the American League Central to three games over the Cleveland Guardians, who lost to the Arizona Diamondbacks 4-1.

Vargas started the game with his 23rd season home run, achieving 433 feet with a 107.8 mph exit velocity. Venable praised, “He takes good swings, makes strong decisions, and has maintained consistent at-bats throughout the year.”

Benintendi hit his 11th home run in the second inning, covering 405 feet. Venable commented, “He’s found consistency and hits the ball hard, regularly contributing during crucial moments.”

Murakami added a two-run home run, his 24th, in the third inning, extending the lead to 4-0. The Rays’ only score came from a fourth-inning solo homer by Junior Caminero.

Sox starter Erick Fedde excelled, allowing one run on four hits, struck out six, and issued no walks over five innings. Fedde expressed, “Having a great three-pitch mix kept the opposition off balance and made our game plan effective.” He appreciated the offensive backing, noting, “Strong leads make my job easier and allow me to focus on quality innings.”

Montgomery finalized the victory with a two-run home run in the sixth, marking his 25th of the season. “When Vargas or Mune homers, it eases pressure, allowing us to play to our strengths,” said Montgomery. “Our offensive synergy is growing.”