Taiwan’s coaches and players yesterday were taking stock after a disappointing 12-5 defeat against Panama in their Pool A opener, a result that has piled pressure on the national squad in their bid to advance to the quarter-finals.
The Netherlands lead the group after their second win in two days yesterday, a 3-1 victory over Panama.
Taiwan head coach Lin Yue-ping oversaw training at the National Taichung University of Education ballpark ahead of today’s outing against Italy.
Photo: Cheng I-hwa, AP
Lin said that they need to win all three of their remaining pool games.
“We wanted to get a win against Panama, but things did not go our way,” Lin said. “We face tough oppositions in this group and have our backs against the wall, but Taiwan’s players can turn the situation around for three must-win games.”
The pitching staff had a rough game on Wednesday, Lin said.
Photo: Ann Wang, Reuters
Panama’s hitters knocked around starter Hu Chih-wei and the relievers, putting on 14 hits.
Hu was tagged with the loss, giving up three runs on five hits through three innings for an ERA of 9.00.
After Hu, there were seven pitchers used through the middle innings and in relief, but none of them could contain the offense.
Photo: RITCHIE B. TONGO, EPA-EFE
“The main factor for the defeat was due to control problems among our pitching staff, which gifted Panama nine walks,” Lin said.
“At training, I told them to have courage to attack the strike zone,” he said.
“It was not good that our pitchers issue two or even three walks in a frame,” he said, adding that it allowed Panama to hit with impunity.”
He said that he has plans for who would start against Italy and who would be in the bullpen, but refused to provide a lineup, saying that he had to convene the coaching staff later yesterday to make adjustments.
Veteran reliever Lee Chen-chang, who played for Cleveland in the MLB and the Saitama Seibu Lions in Japan, said that the younger Taiwan pitchers must improve their mental game and stop thinking too much on the mound.
The pressure began to play on their minds, leading to struggles with control, he said.
The first pitch in their game against Italy today is scheduled for 7pm, while Cuba are to play Panama at noon.
All of the games in Pool A are at the Taichung Intercontinental Stadium.
Local fans and government officials said that they are behind Taiwan all the way.
Organizers said that all of Taiwan’s games have sold out, with a capacity crowd of 20,000 people expected at each of them.
Taiwan are to host the Netherlands tomorrow before taking on Cuba at noon on Sunday.
The Netherlands have emerged as the team to beat, with starter Shairon Martis credited with their win yesterday after pitching into the fourth inning without yielding a run.
Curacao-born Martis pitched for the Uni-President Lions in 2014, garnering an 8-7 record and a 3.15 ERA in his sole season in the CPBL.
Xander Bogaerts had three hits, including a double and a solo homer.
In the late game, Italy and Cuba were 2-2 at press time last night heading into extra innings.
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