MLB: Taiwanese Powerhouse Li Hao-yu Lives Up to Name, Hits Home Run on Off-Speed Pitch
Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Taiwanese baseball player Li Hao-yu hit his sixth home run of the season and had two extra-base hits, contributing all of the Tigers' two runs in their game against the Royals.
- Teammates and the coach praised Li Hao-yu's impressive performance, with one teammate calling him one of the hardest hitters he's ever seen.
- Despite Li Hao-yu's strong showing, the Tigers ultimately lost the game.
Tigers' slugger Li Hao-yu delivered an impressive offensive performance on Friday, single-handedly accounting for his team's two runs in their matchup against the Royals. He launched his sixth home run of the season and added another extra-base hit, extending his hitting streak to 10 games. His recent form has been exceptional, boasting a .330/.357/.511 slash line with an .868 OPS since June 1.
Li Hao-yu's crucial hits included a game-tying double off a 94.3 mph fastball and a go-ahead home run off a breaking ball. Though the Tigers couldn't secure the win, his teammates recognized his significant impact. Backup catcher Jake Rogers lauded Li Hao-yu's current hot streak, stating, "Li Hao-yu is really hitting well, his current form is scorching hot, and it's really enjoyable to watch him play. He's one of the hardest hitters I've ever seen, so when he's on fire like he has been the past few weeks, he's a very key part of our lineup."
Li Hao-yu is really hitting well, his current form is scorching hot, and it's really enjoyable to watch him play. He's one of the hardest hitters I've ever seen, so when he's on fire like he has been the past few weeks, he's a very key part of our lineup.
Manager A.J. Hinch commented on Li Hao-yu's ability to perform even when pitches aren't in the strike zone. "We always emphasize attacking balls in the strike zone, but maybe... not always!" Hinch said with a smile. "The two balls he hit today were not in the strike zone, but I really like that he always stays calm and fights with all his might. For a young player, when you get opportunities, it can really bring a lot of growth."
We always emphasize attacking balls in the strike zone, but maybe... not always! The two balls he hit today were not in the strike zone, but I really like that he always stays calm and fights with all his might. For a young player, when you get opportunities, it can really bring a lot of growth.
Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.