CPBL: Hirano refuses to comment on the strike zone, but says his angry protest had reason

Chinatrust Brothers manager Keiichi Hirano said he would not comment on the home plate umpire's strike zone, but defended his decision to protest during a 6-5 loss to the Wei Chuan Dragons.

Hirano said his principle as a manager is clear: "The most important thing is to protect these players and give them support they can accept."

“

The most important thing is to protect these players and give them support they can accept.

The Brothers had fought back from behind to level the game and then produced a three-run inning in the fifth to take a temporary lead. Hirano protested the strike zone after Sung Sheng-jui struck out. He protested again when Chang Jen-wei came to bat and received a warning from the umpire. Chang then hit a single.

Hirano acknowledged that he had lost his temper several times during the game. He said he did not want to criticize the umpire, but felt obliged to stand up for his players when calls appeared clearly incorrect. "Every pitch concerns a player's professional career, and everyone has important people in their lives, so they give everything on every pitch," he said. "When there is an obvious incorrect call, I will do my best to respond in a way the player can accept and to support them."

“

Every pitch concerns a player's professional career, and everyone has important people in their lives, so they give everything on every pitch.