Hao-Yu Lee Extends Hitting Streak to Nine Games in Tigers Victory

Lee’s Impactful Performance Against the Royals

Hao-Yu Lee delivered a high-impact performance during the Tigers’ 2-1 win against the Royals. Starting at second base and batting sixth, Lee was instrumental in securing the team’s victory. In the bottom of the first inning, with two outs and runners on first and second, Lee connected with a 91.6 mph cutter from Royals pitcher Beck Way. The resulting line drive to center field drove in the Tigers’ second run of the game, a hit that boasted an exit velocity of 101 mph.

Lee’s offensive output continued later in the game. In the sixth inning, he faced Royals pitcher Noah Cameron and struck a 94.5 mph fastball deep to right field. The ball hit the outfield wall for a double, recording an exit velocity of 105.5 mph—approximately 169.8 kilometers per hour—and traveling a distance of 355 feet. While his teammates were unable to capitalize on the opportunity to add to the score, Lee’s performance solidified his role as a pivotal player for the Tigers.

Extending the Hitting Streak and Career Milestones

His season statistics now reflect a slash line of .267/.300/.413 with an OPS of 0.713.

Lee has also shown a particular aptitude for high-pressure situations. According to reports, he has amassed 13 hits in 35 at-bats with runners in scoring position, maintaining a .371 batting average. In two-out situations with runners in scoring position, his performance is even more pronounced: he has recorded 10 hits in 20 at-bats, contributing 13 RBIs and maintaining a .500 batting average.

This latest double marked Lee’s eighth of the season. He is currently one shy of matching the nine career doubles recorded by Tzu-Wei Lin. Should he secure two more doubles, Lee would hold sole possession of second place on the all-time list for career doubles by a Taiwanese player in the major leagues.

Tarik Skubal’s Dominant Start

The Tigers’ victory was bolstered by an elite pitching performance from starter Tarik Skubal. The pitcher pitched 7.1 innings, allowing only four hits and one run. Skubal struck out a season-high 12 batters and issued two walks, earning his seventh win of the 2026 season. Following this outing, Skubal’s earned run average stands at 2.70. His ability to stifle the Royals’ offense provided the necessary cushion for Lee’s early RBI to stand as the decisive factor in the game.