One swing changed Game 1. Munetaka Murakami has changed much more than that for the White Sox

Munetaka Murakami hit a 440-foot home run to lead the Chicago White Sox to a 3-0 victory in Game 1 of the American League Division Series. The fourth-inning blast off Parker Messick proved decisive, backed by a four-inning save from reliever Grant Taylor. Beyond his postseason heroics, Murakami's on-field production and clubhouse leadership have transformed the White Sox in his debut MLB campaign.

After signing a two-year, $34 million contract following three consecutive 100-loss seasons for Chicago, Murakami hit 35 home runs during the regular season. Manager Will Venable and general manager Chris Getz credited the slugger with helping establish the club's identity and energizing the roster despite second-half offensive slumps.