Taiwan's Baseball Triumph: A Game-Changing Moment

Chen Kuan-yu: A Veteran's Testimony

34-year-old pitcher Chen Kuan-yu, the oldest member of Team Taiwan, expressed his indelible emotions. "I will never forget today," he said. The team had indeed faced numerous difficulties to reach this victorious moment. Each step was a challenge, but their determination paid off.

Competing under the name of Chinese Taipei in international sports tournaments, Taiwan's baseball team showed extraordinary tenacity. Chen emphasized the significance of this win, stating that it was a result of the collective effort of every member.

History in the Making

Sunday's victory was a historic moment for Taiwan's baseball. After finishing ninth in 2015 and advancing to the Super Round in 2019 with a fifth-place finish, they finally reached the pinnacle by defeating the strong Japanese team. This achievement was a source of pride for the entire Taiwanese community.

Many baseball commentators were initially skeptical of Taiwan's chances against Japan. However, the team defied the odds and delivered a commanding performance. Prior to Sunday, Taiwan had lost both matches against Japan during the 2024 Premier12. But this time, they showed a different side.

Young Stars Shine

The Taiwanese team was indeed young, with an average age of 24.5 years old. Lin Yu-min, the 21-year-old Arizona Diamondbacks prospect, played a crucial role. He and his colleagues turned the initial doubts into inspiration, lifting their game to a new level.

Team captain Chen, at 34 years old, along with Chu Yu-hsien (33) and Kuo Chun-lin (32), provided leadership and experience. Kuo, bursting into tears after the victory, expressed gratitude to the younger players and acknowledged that it was their era to shine.

Key Moments on the Field

Team Taiwan took an early 4-0 lead in the top of the fifth inning. Catcher Lin Chia-cheng's solo home run and team captain Chen Chieh-hsien's three-run homer were key contributions. These home runs not only boosted the team's morale but also set the tone for the rest of the game.

Manager Tseng Hao-ju praised Lin Chia-cheng for his excellent cooperation with pitcher Lin Yu-min. Their studies and efforts paid off, and Lin Chia-cheng's home run became a crucial moment in the team's success.

Chen Chieh-hsien: The MVP

Chen Chieh-hsien was named the 2024 Premier12 MVP with an explosive 0.625 hitting percentage. His 14 hits in 24 at bats, including two homeruns, were outstanding. His performance inspired the entire team and demonstrated his leadership on the field.