Murakami Bats Cleanup as White Sox Near Playoff Spot
Listen to the story
Munetaka Murakami played baseball for the Chicago White Sox. He played against the Kansas City Royals.
Murakami batted in the fourth spot. This spot is for a strong hitter. He also played first base.
In the third inning, Murakami hit the ball. He got a double. His hit scored a run.
The White Sox want to go to the playoffs. If they win, they get a playoff spot.
This will be the first time for this team in five years. It is close to a big record.
The Royals also want to go to the playoffs. If the White Sox win, the Royals cannot go.
Many Japanese fans watch Murakami play in America. He came from Japan to play baseball.
The game happened in Kansas City. It was an important game for both teams.
Vocabulary9 words
- Munetaka Murakami
- a baseball player from Japan
- fourth spot
- the fourth player who bats; often a strong hitter
- first base
- a place on the field; also a player's job there
- inning
- a part of a baseball game
- double
- a hit that lets the batter run to second base
- run
- one point in baseball
- playoffs
- games after the season to find the best team
- record
- something special that did not happen before
- fans
- people who like and watch a sport or team
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Quiz
Answer key
1. Chicago White Sox 2. He hit a double 3. The playoffs
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Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Munetaka Murakami played baseball for the Chicago _____ Sox.
He played against the Kansas City _____.
Murakami batted in the _____ spot.
He also played _____ base.
In the third _____, Murakami hit the ball.
He got a _____.
His hit scored a _____.
The White Sox want to go to the _____.
This will be the first time for this team in _____ years.
Many Japanese _____ watch Murakami play.
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