Lin Keng-wei’s walk-off single with runners in scoring positions scored the game-winner in the bottom of the ninth as Taipower rallied from three down to beat Taichung’s Veetime 5-4 at the Taichung Municipal Baseball Stadium yesterday afternoon and take the weekend series 2-1.
The win marked the second straight come-from-behind victory for the Power Crew, who trailed nearly the entire game due to the stellar pitching of Veetime starter Juan Pena, before mustering a late-game rally to come away with the “W.”
Trailing 4-1 at the bottom of the ninth, Taipower drew a pair of walks against the Veetime bullpen on top of an infield single to load the bases. That set up Eduardo Baez’s sacrifice fly that brought them to within two of Veetime.
Photo courtesy of the CTBA
After reliever Chiang Chung-cheng intentionally walked the next batter to load up the bases again in search of a potential double-play, Taipower’s Lin Lien-kai drove in two with a single to tie the game at 4-4, setting the stage for Lin Keng-wei’s game-winning swing.
“Our team really showed their desire to win by not giving up, even when we were behind,” pleased-looking Taipower skipper Lee Ying-nan said after the game.
His players were on the brink of losing their past two contests before back-to-back late-game rallies saved the games for them.
Right-hander Lan Yi-yao was credited with the win for his two innings of scoreless relief, while the loss was charged to Chiang, who gave up three runs in the decisive ninth.
COOPERATIVE BANK 1, CHII LIH 8
Taitung’s Chii Lih Coral bounced back from an extra-inning loss the day before with a convincing win over Taiwan Cooperative Bank at the Taitung County Baseball Stadium yesterday afternoon to clinch their home series over the weekend 2-1.
Despite giving up seven hits, starter Huang Tzu-pong tossed seven shutout innings to lead the home Corals past their Banker foes for the win, as Chii Lih dominated the game from the start with four quick runs in the opening frame en route to a big win.
Leading the way for the Corals at the plate was Yi Tung-hsiao, who belted four hits to account for a large chunk of his team’s offense.
The Corals defense also had a huge day showing off their leather work by turning two double-plays to deny the Bankers several golden scoring opportunities.
“My slider was working very well today. That really helped me get some critical outs,” Huang said after the game.
FALCONS 6, NATIONAL SPORTS 4
The Topco Scientific Falcons avenged Saturday’s 6-4 loss to National Sports Training Center with a win by the same margin at the Taichung Municipal Baseball Stadium last night to take the weekend set.
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