Tigers Take 4-3 Lead as Hao-Yu Lee Smashes Pinch-Hit Two-Run Homer in 7th Inning

CINCINNATI — Detroit Tigers rookie Hao-Yu Lee delivered a clutch moment in his Major League Baseball debut, hitting his first career home run to propel the Tigers to an 8-3 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday, April 26, 2026. The pinch-hit, two-run homer in the seventh inning broke a 3-3 tie and sparked a four-run rally that secured the Tigers’ series-salvaging win at Great American Ball Park.

Lee’s Milestone Homer Shifts Momentum

With the Tigers trailing 3-2 in the top of the seventh, manager A.J. Hinch called on the 23-year-old Lee to pinch-hit for Colt Keith against Reds left-handed reliever Sam Moll. Lee, a right-handed batter with a strong track record against lefties in the minor leagues, seized the opportunity. He drove a 90.7 mph fastball 402 feet to right-center field, clearing the fence with a 105.8 mph exit velocity to give Detroit a 4-3 lead.

The homer was the first of Lee’s MLB career and marked a turning point in the game. The Tigers added three more runs in the inning, including a solo shot from Spencer Torkelson—his fifth consecutive game with a home run—to extend the lead to 8-3. Torkelson’s streak tied a franchise record shared by legendary Tigers such as Rudy York, Hank Greenberg, and Willie Horton.

Tigers Avoid Series Sweep

The win was critical for Detroit, which had dropped the first two games of the three-game series and was in danger of being swept. The Tigers entered the day with a 14-14 record, while the Reds sat at 18-10, making the victory even more significant in the early-season standings.

The Reds had rallied earlier in the game to erase Detroit’s early 2-0 lead. Cincinnati designated hitter Nathaniel Lowe homered in the second inning, his fourth in nine plate appearances, and J.J. Bleday—making his Reds debut after being recalled from Triple-A Louisville—tied the game at 2-2 with a 403-foot homer to center in the fourth. Ke’Bryan Hayes later tripled and scored on Matt McLain’s single to put the Reds ahead 3-2 in the fifth.

Reds starter Rhett Lowder, a right-hander, held the Tigers to two runs on six hits over five innings, striking out seven. However, the bullpen faltered in the seventh, with Moll surrendering Lee’s go-ahead homer before Pierce Johnson allowed Torkelson’s solo shot. Gleyber Torres added a two-run homer in the eighth to seal the win.

What’s Next for Detroit

The Tigers will look to build on the momentum when they open a three-game series against the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday, April 28, at Truist Park. The pitching matchups are set: right-hander Casey Mize will start Tuesday, followed by left-handers Tarik Skubal (Wednesday) and Framber Valdez (Thursday). First pitch for Tuesday’s game is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. ET, with coverage on Detroit SportsNet and TBS.

The series against Atlanta marks the start of a new stretch for the Tigers, who recently completed a grueling 13-game road trip in 13 days. The win over the Reds provided a much-needed boost as Detroit aims to climb back into contention in the American League Central.

Lee’s Rise to the Majors

Hao-Yu Lee’s heroics in Cincinnati capped a rapid ascent through the Tigers’ farm system. Signed as an international free agent in 2021, Lee quickly established himself as a power-hitting prospect, particularly against left-handed pitching. His performance in the minors earned him a late-April call-up to the big-league roster, and he made an immediate impact in his first opportunity.

“It’s a dream come true,” Lee said in a postgame interview, reflecting on his first MLB home run. “I’ve worked my whole life for this moment, and to do it in a game like this—it’s something I’ll never forget.”

Lee’s clutch hit also highlighted the Tigers’ depth, as Detroit has relied on contributions from both veterans and rookies this season. With Torkelson’s power surge and the emergence of young players like Lee, the Tigers are showing signs of a team capable of competing in a tough division.

Reds Reflect on Missed Opportunity

For the Reds, the loss snapped a three-game winning streak and served as a reminder of the challenges of closing out series. Cincinnati had entered the game with momentum, thanks to strong performances from Lowe and Bleday, but the bullpen’s struggles in the seventh inning proved costly.

“We had them right where we wanted them,” Reds manager David Bell said. “But we couldn’t make the plays when it mattered most. That’s the difference in this game.”

The Reds will look to bounce back when they host the Pittsburgh Pirates for a three-game series beginning Monday, April 27. Cincinnati remains atop the National League Central standings, but the loss to the Tigers underscored the need for consistency as the season progresses.

A Night to Remember in Cincinnati

The game was not without its lighter moments. Before the first pitch, the Reds unveiled their new City Connect 2.0 uniforms, a modern take on the team’s classic pinstripes. The jerseys, which feature red-on-red pinstripes and a nod to the city’s iconic Fountain Square, were met with enthusiasm from fans. The team shop even featured an AI-powered photo booth where supporters could try on the new gear.

However, the night belonged to Lee and the Tigers. As the rookie rounded the bases, he was greeted by a mob of teammates at home plate, including Torkelson, who had just tied the franchise record for consecutive games with a home run. The celebration was a fitting end to a game that showcased the best of baseball: clutch hitting, dramatic comebacks, and the emergence of a new star.

For Lee, the homer was just the beginning. As he said after the game, “I’m ready for whatever comes next.”