Murakami goes hitless as Guardians win AL Central

Murakami and the White Sox

The White Sox lost 9-6 to the Rockies in Chicago on Sept. 26, with Murakami batting fourth and starting at first base, Asahi reported. The result left Chicago in second place and sent it to the playoffs through the Wild Card Series. The Guardians won that day to secure their third straight American League Central title.

Matsui and the Padres

Matsui entered for San Diego in the fourth inning with two outs and a runner on first, protecting a 4-3 deficit against Arizona. He retired Nootbaar on a called third strike, recorded one out, and allowed no runs. San Diego scored immediately afterward, won 10-7, and Matsui earned his fifth win against one loss and one save.

The Padres will face the Cubs in the Wild Card Series. Chicago did not play that day, and the Cubs include Imanaga and Suzuki.

Ohtani and the Dodgers

Ohtani went 1-for-5 as the Dodgers’ No. 2 designated hitter against the Giants, reaching on an infield single to first base in a 4-3 victory. His recent at-bats also drew attention for chasing pitches outside the strike zone, Jiji Press reported. In the third inning, Ohtani challenged a low pitch that had been called a strike under Major League Baseball’s automated ball-strike challenge system, but the ruling stood.

Ohtani had not homered since Aug. 18 and had played four games since returning from the injured list. Dodgers manager Roberts said, “His movement looks like his usual self.” Roberts added that Ohtani was rebuilding his game feel and resetting for the postseason.

Okamoto and Toronto

Okamoto went hitless in three at-bats while batting fifth and playing third base for Toronto in a 5-1 loss to Cincinnati. The games produced different postseason outcomes for the Japanese players: Chicago lost its division chance but still reached the playoffs, San Diego secured its matchup, and the Dodgers won while Ohtani continued to work through his timing at the plate.