All-Star Game: Stars Edge Taiwan 1-0; Pitcher Lu Yen-Ching Jokes About Opponent's Performance

The recent All-Star Game concluded with a narrow 1-0 victory for the "Stars" team over the "Taiwan" team, marking a significant end to pitcher Guo Tian-Xin's personal nine-game losing streak in the exhibition event. The game's outcome hinged on a tense sixth-inning situation where the "Stars" team faced a bases-loaded, no-outs crisis but ultimately managed to preserve their slim lead.

During the crucial sixth inning, the "Stars" team employed a strategic pitching change, bringing in veteran pitcher Hsu Ming-Chieh. After Hsu faced two batters, resulting in runners on base, Lu Yen-Ching took the mound. The situation intensified as the "Taiwan" team's batters, including pinch hitters, managed to load the bases with no outs. However, the "Stars" defense held firm, with a fly ball caught in the outfield and a subsequent double play ending the threat.

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Everyone really wanted Tian-Xin to win, but it was really hard to control. In the All-Star Game, not everyone necessarily plays with full power, so how to control it is a bit difficult, just let it happen naturally.

Reflecting on the high-pressure moment, Lu Yen-Ching shared that the coaching staff had a plan for pitching changes. He humorously recalled telling Hsu Ming-Chieh before the game not to over-warm up, jokingly fearing he might run out of energy. Lu expressed the team's collective desire to secure a win for Guo Tian-Xin, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of All-Star games where players might not always play with full intensity.

Lu Yen-Ching lightheartedly suggested that the younger players on the opposing "Taiwan" team should "reflect" on their performance. He noted that they managed to hit several singles off veteran "Stars" players, while most of his own teammates struggled to do the same, with the exception of "the president" (likely referring to a team leader or prominent figure). This playful jab underscored the camaraderie and competitive spirit of the event.

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The young players on the other side should reflect, they hit several hits off the veteran seniors, while our side, except for the president, didn't hit any hits off the veteran players.