A Taiwanese baseball fan died of a heart attack as his side suffered what was widely considered a humiliating defeat to China in the Olympic baseball competition, local media reported yesterday.
The 74-year-old pensioner from Kaohsiung — identified only by his surname, Huang — had been a baseball fan all his life and never missed a game on TV, the Central News Agency (CNA) said.
Hopes had been high for a medal as baseball is Taiwan’s
national sport, while China began training players only five years ago, and Huang — like all Taiwanese — expected an easy win over China.
But in Friday’s game, China put up a strong defense and the game was tied 3-3 in the 10th inning, leading to extra innings which China went on to win 8-7 as the tension and frustration built up.
As the TV pictures showed the Chinese spectators jump and scream with joy at the Wukesong Baseball Field 2, Huang breathed his last, CNA said.
■USA 5, CANADA 4
AP, BEIJING
Terry Tiffee doubled in the go-ahead run and Brian Barden homered and hit a tying RBI double as the US rallied from a four-run deficit for a 5-4 Olympic baseball victory over Canada yesterday.
Brian Duensing retired 10 of the final 11 batters of the game for the win as the Americans turned a one-run result in their favor for a change. They lost their opener 8-7 to South Korea and then a demoralizing 5-4, 11-inning defeat to defending champion Cuba on Friday.
Their medal hopes seemed to be in serious jeopardy when trailing 4-0. The US team (2-2) must be among the top four clubs in the tournament to have a chance of reaching the medal stand.
“We’ve played a lot of tight ballgames,” said third base coach Rick Eckstein. “There’s no question we’ve been tested in so many ways so far this tournament. We’ve responded. I like what I’m seeing: their heart and character.”
After games against China and Taiwan on Monday and Tuesday, the US must face medal favorite and 2006 World Baseball Classic champion Japan on Wednesday night.
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