Taiwan Forest Team Ends Losing Streak with Dramatic 9th-Inning Victory Over Japan
the Taiwan Forest Team halted a six-game losing streak and narrowly avoided setting a new record for the longest losing streak in the Chinese Professional League’s Winter League, securing an 8-7 victory over the Japanese team thanks to a clutch hit by Zhang Youjia in the 9th inning. The team rallied from a late deficit, scoring four runs in the 9th to equalize before ultimately prevailing.
The game was a rollercoaster of momentum shifts, beginning with early offensive contributions from Taiwan Forest. Zhang Renwei led off the first inning with a double, eventually scoring on a sacrifice fly by Xu Hejie. In the second inning, timely hits from Chen Sizhong and Zhang Shilun extended the lead to 2-0.
However, the team’s starting pitcher, Tsang Ka-fai, struggled after a strong start. While allowing only one run through the first three innings, he faltered in the 4th, walking two batters and conceding four runs before being replaced after 3.2 innings, having allowed 6 hits and 3 earned runs.
Despite falling behind, Taiwan Forest responded with a two-run offensive in the 4th inning. Zhong Yucheng and Chen Sizhong both reached base, setting the stage for a timely hit by Zhang Renwei and an RBI single from he Pingshirong.
The 7th inning saw another surge from the Taiwanese team. He Pingshirong and Yang Xianghe reached base, and a series of four balls to Lin Wu Jinwei loaded the bases. Li Xunjie then delivered a two-run double, extending the lead. the bullpen, featuring Wang Boyang, Chen Yingrui, and Chen Shengkai, effectively shut down the Japanese offense, maintaining the advantage.
The 9th inning proved to be a dramatic affair. Leading by four runs, the team quickly surrendered three consecutive hits and, crucially, three wild pitches, resulting in four runs scored in just 0.2 innings and tying the game. Pitcher Chen Yuanwei made history,becoming the first Taiwanese pitcher to throw three wild pitches in a single Winter League game,though he wasn’t alone in this feat – pitchers from the European and American League,as well as Nippon Professional Baseball,have also recorded three or more wild pitches in a single game.
With the score tied, Zhang Youjia stepped up to the plate and delivered a game-winning hit, ending the losing streak. the victory marks a meaningful turning point for the Taiwan Forest Team, offering a much-needed boost as they continue their Winter League campaign.
