Unable to get over their fear of the southpaw US reliever yesterday, Taiwan blew a massive lead to lose 11-8 in Taichung yesterday, ending their chances of making it to the top four of the International Baseball Federation’s World Youth Championships.
The 16-and-under Taiwanese team beat the US 8-3 during warm-up competitions.
STRONG START
PHOTO: LIAO CHEN-HUEI, TAIPEI TIMES
At the top of the first, Chinese Taipei’s Lin Chia-wen was hit by a pitch and Chu Li-jen, Wen Kung-chin and Lin Tzi-wei each scored hits, giving Taiwan two runs for an early lead.
At the top of the third, Taiwan kept the attack strong and took advantage of shaky pitches from the US starter, who allowed Wen and Lin to walk.
After a hit by Tseng Jing-yu, a US error on a hit by Chang Chun-loong and hits by Hsu Yong-cheng, Pi Li-an and Chu, Taiwan had extended their lead to 8-0.
However, Taiwan suffered after the US team swapped pitchers, with Taiwan only scoring four hits between the fourth and ninth innings in addition to being struck out 10 times, bringing the score to 6-8 by the top of the forth.
LOSING THE LEAD
By the bottom of the fifth, the US team had rallied further, scoring three quick points for the lead.
At the bottom of the sixth, the US squad once again scored two hits and coupled with two errors by Taiwan, the US eventually won 11-8.
The US side made 12 hits — 9 of which were long balls — off Taiwan’s three pitchers: Chang Chun-loong, You Chao-wei and Chiang Li-wei. Taiwan made 11 hits in the loss, which leaves them facing a best-case scenario of fifth place.
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