Munetaka Murakami homered twice to increase his season total to 35, and the playoff-bound Chicago White Sox beat the Colorado Rockies 6-1 on Friday night as they tried to gain ground in the AL Central.
The White Sox entered the game positioned to make a playoff push, seeking to close ground in a competitive AL Central division.
Murakami's two home runs were the primary offensive driver for Chicago, accounting for much of their scoring in the victory.
The Rockies were unable to match Chicago's offensive output, managing only a single run in the loss.
Elsewhere in MLB action, Pete Alonso homered twice to take over the American League lead with 43 home runs, including a 471-foot drive, as the Baltimore Orioles routed the New York Yankees 10-2 in a doubleheader opener.
In another game, the Boston Red Sox swept a doubleheader against the Chicago White Sox with a 2-0 nightcap win, highlighted by Wilyer Abreu's two-run double in the eighth inning.
Due to a weekend storm threat in the Boston area, MLB relocated the regular-season series finale between the Red Sox and Chicago Cubs from Fenway Park to Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Meanwhile, the Atlanta Braves (93-67, first in the NL East) prepared to host the Miami Marlins (79-81, third in the NL East) in a three-game series, with Atlanta holding a significant division lead.
The White Sox's win over Colorado contributed to their efforts to secure a playoff berth amid a tight AL Central race.
Murakami's performance marked a significant individual milestone, reaching 35 home runs for the season through his two-homer effort.
This article synthesizes reporting from ESPN. Top story: "Munetaka Murakami homers twice as playoff-bound White Sox top Rockies 6-1" (ESPN).