Tigers' Lee Hou-yu goes hitless, team achieves rare 12-year shutout record

Taiwanese slugger Lee Hou-yu's quest for a playoff spot with the Detroit Tigers saw him go hitless in two at-bats and get pinch-hit for during the team's 3-0 shutout victory over the Cleveland Guardians. The win propelled the Tigers into third place in the American League wild card race.

Lee, who had recently set a new MLB record for hits by a Taiwanese player in a single season with 53, started at third base and batted sixth. He grounded out in his first at-bat in the second inning and struck out swinging in the fourth. In the sixth inning, with a runner on first and two outs, Lee was replaced by a pinch hitter when the Guardians brought in a right-handed pitcher.

The Tigers' victory was notable for their ability to shut out the Guardians without recording a single strikeout. This feat is exceptionally rare, with the last such occurrence in the American League happening 12 years prior, also achieved by the Tigers against the Oakland Athletics. The combined shutout was secured by pitchers Keider Montero, Tyler Holton, and Kenley Jansen.

Despite the hitless performance, Lee's season batting line stands at .265/.297/.420 with an OPS of 0.717. The Tigers, now 60-61, are pushing for a postseason berth and are set to face the division-leading Chicago White Sox in a series that could see them take the lead in the AL Central if they sweep.