Tigers' Lee Sets Taiwanese Single-Season MLB Home Run Record in 11-8 Win Over White Sox

A Record-Tying Hit Completes the Comeback

Detroit Tigers infielder Hao-Yu Lee set the Major League Baseball single-season home run for a Taiwan-born player on Friday night, blasting his 10th of the year to cap an 11-8 comeback victory over the Chicago White Sox in Chicago. Sources disagree on Lee's hit total: one account reports he finished with three hits, while a separate detailed account credits him with four hits, including the record-setting blast. His two-run homer in the eighth inning off Sean Newcomb scored Eduardo Valencia and tied the game at 8-8 after Detroit had trailed 8-2 through three innings.

Lee's Offensive Line on a Historic Night

Lee's late surge bookended an earlier RBI double in the sixth inning that brought home Max Clark. According to one account, the homer traveled 362 feet to opposite field; both accounts credit Lee with three RBIs and two runs scored on the night. The 23-year-old rookie concluded the contest hitting .264 with 10 home runs and 45 RBIs over 326 plate appearances in his first major league season, splitting time between second and third base.

Surpassing Yu Chang's Taiwan-Born Benchmarks

Lee moved past Yu Chang's previous Taiwan-born single-season mark of nine home runs. He had tied Chang three days earlier in Toronto before claiming sole possession of the record Friday. Earlier in August, Lee had already surpassed Chang's single-season marks for hits, RBIs and runs scored by a Taiwan-born player. Reflecting on his accomplishments, Lee said, "My goal is not to be the best Taiwanese player. I'm trying to be a great player in America."

Detroit's Rookie-Heavy Lineup Down the Stretch

The win came during a stretch in which Detroit has leaned on its young core under manager AJ Hinch. In a recent 11-7 victory over the Colorado Rockies, the Tigers fielded seven rookie position players — Lee, Kevin McGonigle, Valencia, Clark, Brett Callahan, John Peck and Ben Malgeri — as the organization evaluates prospects with starter Gleyber Torres headed for free agency after the season.

Saturday's Rematch

Detroit and Chicago are scheduled to meet again Saturday in Chicago, with first pitch moved to 2:10 p.m. ET to avoid expected rainfall.