Davis Martin Dominates as White Sox Bats Explode in 9-2 Win Over Athletics

Munetaka Murakami's grand slam powers Chicago's season-high 15-hit outburst

Apr. 18, 2026 at 12:19pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in vibrant blues, silvers, reds, greens, and golds, representing the action and excitement of a baseball game between the White Sox and Athletics.A cubist interpretation of the White Sox's offensive explosion, capturing the dynamic energy and movement of the game.West Sacramento Today

White Sox starter Davis Martin was dominant through the first 3 1/3 innings, but a fly ball lost in the lights broke up his perfect game. However, the Chicago offense erupted for a season-high 15 hits, including a mammoth grand slam from Munetaka Murakami, to power a 9-2 win over the Athletics.

Why it matters

The White Sox offense has struggled to produce early in the season, so this breakout performance could be a sign that their bats are starting to wake up. Meanwhile, Martin's strong outing provides a boost to the starting rotation as the team looks to climb the standings in the AL Central.

The details

Martin scattered three hits over seven innings, walking two and striking out four. Murakami's 431-foot grand slam in the fourth inning was the big blow, while Andrew Benintendi, Colson Montgomery, and others also contributed multiple hits. The win snaps a two-game skid for the White Sox.

  • The game was played on Friday, April 18, 2026 in West Sacramento, California.

The players

Davis Martin

The White Sox starting pitcher who dominated the Athletics lineup for most of the game.

Munetaka Murakami

The White Sox slugger who hit a towering 431-foot grand slam to break the game open.

Colson Montgomery

The White Sox infielder who went 2-for-4 with a double and two RBIs.

Andrew Benintendi

The White Sox outfielder who went 3-for-6 with two doubles and an RBI.

Will Venable

The White Sox manager who praised his team's offensive performance after a slow start to the season.

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What they’re saying

“I just tried to swing as much as possible. And the results came in in the best way.”

— Munetaka Murakami, White Sox Slugger

“Guy's got stupid juice. Came at the right time when we needed it. Just a lot of fun.”

— Davis Martin, White Sox Pitcher

“Those guys have been putting together really good at-bats, with not a lot to show for it, so to be able to come out, continue that and get rewarded, was really nice.”

— Will Venable, White Sox Manager

What’s next

The White Sox will look to build on this offensive outburst as they continue their series against the Athletics on Saturday.

The takeaway

This game showcased the White Sox's offensive potential, with several key contributors having big nights at the plate. If the team can sustain this level of production, they could be poised to make a run in the AL Central.