The Chicago White Sox erased a four-run deficit with a massive seventh inning and defeated the Los Angeles Angels 8-7 on Monday night in a rain-delayed opener at Rate Field. Rookie slugger Munetaka Murakami delivered the decisive blow with a three-run home run that capped Chicago’s comeback.
The game started hours late because of rain and thunderstorms, but the delay did little to slow the offense once play began. Los Angeles built an early lead behind timely hitting and appeared in control entering the late innings. Chicago responded with its biggest offensive inning of the season and held off a final Angels rally to secure the win.
The loss extended the Angels’ difficult stretch. Los Angeles has now dropped four straight games and eight of its last nine.
Angels Build Early Lead
The Angels entered the seventh inning with a 5-1 advantage after controlling much of the game offensively. Jorge Soler hit a solo home run, while Mike Trout added two hits and scored twice.
Los Angeles continued to pressure Chicago’s pitching through the middle innings. The lineup moved runners effectively and capitalized on opportunities with runners in scoring position.
The Angels also carried momentum from an explosive offensive weekend, though their recent results have not reflected those performances. Sunday’s loss in Kansas City followed a blown six-run lead, and Monday’s game followed a similar pattern.
Chicago struggled early against the Angels’ pitching staff and trailed comfortably entering the late innings.
White Sox Explode In Seventh
Everything changed in the bottom of the seventh inning. Chicago sent 10 batters to the plate and scored seven runs in its biggest inning of the season.
Andrew Benintendi began the rally with a two-run double that cut the deficit to one run. The hit energized the White Sox dugout and shifted pressure toward the Angels’ bullpen.
Moments later, Munetaka Murakami stepped to the plate against reliever Drew Pomeranz. The rookie slugger drove a three-run homer into right-center field, giving Chicago its first lead of the night.
The home run was Murakami’s 12th of the season and continued one of the hottest stretches in baseball. Over his last 10 games, the Japanese rookie has produced at an elite level with consistent power and run production.
Miguel Vargas followed Murakami with a solo home run of his own, extending the White Sox’s lead to 8-5 and completing the dramatic turnaround.
Murakami Continues Remarkable Start
Murakami’s impact on Chicago’s lineup continues to grow. The rookie has quickly become one of the team’s most dangerous hitters and remains among the league leaders in home runs.
His seventh-inning homer changed the game immediately and highlighted his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations. Murakami has consistently produced against both right-handed and left-handed pitching while maintaining strong plate discipline.
The White Sox have leaned heavily on his offense during recent weeks. His power surge has helped stabilize a lineup that struggled early in the season.
Monday’s performance added another important moment to his strong rookie campaign.
Bullpen Holds Late
Chicago’s bullpen protected the lead despite late pressure from the Angels. Osvaldo Bido earned the win after allowing one run across three innings of relief.
The Angels mounted another comeback attempt in the ninth inning. Soler and Nolan Schanuel each drove in runs against reliever Grant Taylor, cutting the deficit to one run and bringing the tying run into scoring position.
Bryan Hudson entered and recorded the final out with runners on second and third. He forced Adam Frazier into a ground ball to second base, ending the threat and securing his first major league save.
The finish reflected the pressure both teams carried into the late innings. Chicago managed to survive despite the Angels’ final push.
Angels Continue Difficult Stretch
Los Angeles again showed offensive potential but failed to close out a game after building a significant lead. The bullpen struggled to contain Chicago’s lineup during the seventh inning, continuing a trend that has hurt the team throughout the recent losing streak.
The Angels have remained competitive offensively, but inconsistent pitching and late-game execution continue to create problems.
Mike Trout and Jorge Soler provided steady production at the top of the lineup. However, the Angels could not recover after Chicago’s explosive inning.
The team now faces added urgency as losses continue to pile up during a difficult stretch of the schedule.
White Sox Gain Momentum
Chicago has quietly improved over its last several games. The White Sox have now won six of their last 10 and continue to receive balanced contributions throughout the lineup.
Benintendi delivered three RBIs, Vargas added power late, and Tristan Peters reached base twice while scoring two runs. The offense showed patience and aggression during the comeback inning, taking advantage of mistakes from the Angels’ bullpen.
The White Sox also benefited from stronger relief pitching after the middle innings, allowing them to hold onto the lead despite the tense finish.
Up Next
The series continues Tuesday night in Chicago. The Angels are expected to start José Soriano, who enters with a 5-0 record and a league-leading 0.24 ERA.
The White Sox will counter with right-hander Davis Martin, who has opened the season with a 3-1 record and a 2.01 ERA.
Chicago enters the next game with momentum after one of its most dramatic wins of the season. Los Angeles, meanwhile, continues searching for a way to stop its slide.
