Murakami Starts 16-Game Summer Stretch, Eyes Home Run No. 27
Japanese baseball star Munetaka Murakami began a demanding 16-game stretch this summer as his team continued its MLB season.
In the game against the Reds, Murakami was named in the starting lineup, batting second and playing first base.
Murakami has hit 26 home runs so far this season. He was hoping to hit his 27th, having gone homerless for two straight games.
Summer is a busy time in MLB, with teams often playing many games in a row without a day off. A 16-game stretch tests a player's stamina and consistency.
Murakami has become known for his power hitting since joining MLB. Fans and reporters closely follow his home run total each season.
The match against the Reds was covered as part of ongoing MLB 2026 season coverage, with broadcasters also listing schedules for upcoming games involving Murakami's team.
Vocabulary6 words
- stretch
- a long period without a break
- starting lineup
- the list of players who begin the game
- homerless
- without hitting a home run
- stamina
- the strength to keep doing something for a long time
- consistency
- doing something well again and again
- power hitting
- hitting the ball very hard, often for home runs
Quiz
Answer key
1. His 27th home run 2. Two games 3. True
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
Japanese baseball star Munetaka Murakami began a demanding _____-game stretch this summer as his team continued its MLB season.
In the game against the _____, Murakami was named in the starting lineup, batting _____ and playing first base.
Murakami has hit _____ home runs so far this season. He was hoping to hit his 27th, having gone _____ for two straight games.
Summer is a busy time in MLB, with teams often playing many games in a row without a day off. A 16-game stretch tests a player's _____ and consistency.
Discussion questions
- Why might a 16-game stretch be difficult for a professional athlete?
- Do you think batting order position (like batting second) matters in baseball? Why?
- How important is it for fans to follow a player's home run count during a season?
- What qualities do you think help a player perform well over many games in a row?