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Taiwan becomes Asia's new No. 1

A fan shows his support for Taiwan. PHOTO: LEE HUNG-MIN, TAIPEI TIMES

Taiwan's Chen Ching-fong (陳金鋒) made his trip back to Taiwan memorable yesterday in the battle for third place against Japan.

Chen, who plays in the Los Angeles Dodgers minor league system, slammed a pair of home runs to lift Taiwan over Japan 3-0 in the bronze medal game of the Baseball World Cup at Tienmu Stadium.

Chen launched a solo shot in the fourth inning and a two-run blast in the seventh, both over the left field wall as the overflow crowd of 10,000 roared its approval.

Chen's first home run came off amateur starter Yoshiteru Suda, while the two-run blast came off Hayato Nakamura

"The first one was good. The second one was even better," said Chen, who smiled and pointed towards the fans both times as he rounded the base paths.

Chang Chih-chia (張誌家), who is still serving in the military, pitched a perfect game against a line-up of stars drawn from Japan's professional leagues.

He struck out five while giving up five hits to give Taiwan its second bronze medal in the tournament and fourth medal overall.

Taiwan's team runs onto the pitch after beating Japan 3-0. PHOTO: LIN CHENG-KUNG, TAIPEI TIMES

Chang out-pitched the Japanese pitchers, who yielded nine hits overall.

The victory was Chang's fourth of the tournament. He allowed just one run.

"I feel that I played very well in this tournament," said Chang.

"I thought it would be good for me to play in the Baseball World Cup so I could make more of a name for myself."

The tournament had a special significance for Chen, who has played in the US for the Dodgers system for the last three years and is widely expected to be the first Taiwanese player to make the major leagues.

"I was very happy I had the opportunity to play here in front of this crowd and see so many fans in Taiwan ... I feel great here," he said.

As the major leagues do not permit players on 40-man rosters to play in the World Cup, Chen knew the event could be a last chance to play for his home country.

"Maybe this is my last amateur game. That's why I've been doing so well. I wanted people to remember me," he said.

It was a disappointing end for the strong Japanese squad that swept through preliminary play but faded at the end.
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