Astros' Tang Kai-Wei Allows 3 HRs, Takes Loss After 9 Ks; Lee Hao-Yu Records 2 Hits and First Career Stolen Base

(Taipei, June 16, CNA by reporter Hsieh Ching-wen) The first MLB matchup between two Taiwan-born players took place today as Houston Astros pitcher Tang Kai-Wei started against the Detroit Tigers, facing off twice against Taiwan batter Lee Hao-Yu from the Tigers. In the 2nd inning, Tang struck out Lee with a sweeper pitch after one ball was thrown.

Tang struggled with control and effectiveness. In the 1st inning, he walked four batters, allowing one run without giving up a hit. In the 2nd, Kevin McGonigle hit a solo home run. In the 3rd, with two outs, Colt Keith hit a two-run homer, followed by a solo shot from Spencer Torkelson.

Lee Hao-Yu went 2-for-4. He singled to right field off Tang in the 4th inning, driving him out of the game. In the 6th, he grounded out to shortstop against reliever AJ Blubaugh. In the 8th, with one out, Lee singled to left field off Jayden Murray and successfully stole second base—his first career stolen base in MLB.

Tang, 27, entered the game with 95 career strikeouts. His strikeout of James Outman in the 2nd inning marked his 100th career MLB strikeout, making him the fourth Taiwan-born pitcher to reach the milestone after Chen Wei-Yin, Wang Chien-Ming, and Kuo Hong-Chih.

Tang threw 81 pitches over 3.1 innings, allowing 6 hits (including 3 HRs), 5 earned runs, 4 walks, and 9 strikeouts. His highest single-game strikeout and home runs allowed in his career. The Astros lost 3-9, and Tang took his 6th loss of the season, raising his ERA to 4.31.

Lee has recorded hits in both games since returning to the majors on the 14th, improving his batting average to .225.