Francisco Morales' two-out, game-tying home run in the bottom of the ninth sent the game into extra innings before power slugger Hsieh Jia-shien (
It was the serpents' first victory since their second-half opening win over the Chinatrust Whales on June 19.
The late-game drama nullified another impressive outing by Bulls starter Yang Jien-fu (
Yang left the game with a 1-0 lead that his bullpen mates failed to protect, denying him his eighth win of the season.
His counterpart, Kleber Ojima, was equally as impressive in holding a potent Bulls' lineup to six hits over nine frames before being relieved.
Other than a hanging slider that Bulls' third baseman Chang Tai-shan (
Sunday's 6-1 final, also in favor of the Cobras, did not have the late-game drama from the night before, but was filled with three long balls that sent the serpents to their second victory in as many games.
Morales' solo blast in the bottom of the fifth off Bulls starter Kuo Yung-chih (
Set-up man Lee Ming-jing (
Strong pitching was the difference in the President Lions' three-game sweep of the Whales last week, as the first-half champs held the Whales to just five runs in all three contests.
Thursday's 3-2 decision had the big cats trailing the Whales 1-2 in the bottom of the seventh until catcher Kao Cheng-hua's (
Lions closer Michael Garcia stuck out five batters in two innings of relief work for the win, extending his scoreless-inning streak to 37.
Normally sure-handed Whales closer Dario Veras suffered his first defeat of the year after giving up the lead in the seventh inning. He is now 5-1 with 8 saves for the year.
A four-run eighth by the Lions broke a 2-2 tie in Game 2 of the series on Friday night that made Garcia the winner for the second game in a row.
First baseman Kao Guo-ching (高國慶) started the Lions eighth with a solo homer -- his sixth of the year -- before veteran designated hitter Chen "the Terrorist" Cheng-shien (陳政賢) and center fielder Huang Kang-ling (黃甘霖) knocked in three more runs off Whales reliever Wang Guo-jing (王國進).
Sunday's series finale had the Lions eying a 14-0 shutout when Whales third baseman Chen Jien-wei' (
Lions starter Donald Lemon kept the Whales hitters guessing in five masterful innings before leaving the game with a 5-0 lead.
He's won both of his starts since joining the team three weeks ago.
The Brother Elephants ended their eight-game winning streak in heated fashion on Saturday night against the La New Bears, as several controversial calls prompted Elephants skipper Lin Yi-tseng (
Lin argued a strike-three call and was ejected from the game after he shoved umpire Hsu Rong-rong (
The Elephants came back from being down 6-0 and got as close as 8-7 before Bears closer Claudio Galva got the last six outs to preserve starter Lee Fong-hua's (
The Bears victory concluded a hard-fought series between the two squads that had the league-leading Elephants winning the first three contests by a combined four-run margin and provided an emotional boost to a young Bears team that proved it can beat the best team in the league.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely