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CPBL: Lions manager critical of closer's strategy after late-game scare

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • The Uni-President Lions secured a narrow 7-5 victory over the Wei Chuan Dragons despite a late-game collapse by their closer.
  • Lions' closer Koshio, who had been pitching well, allowed four runs in the eighth inning, erasing a comfortable lead.
  • Manager Lin Yue-ping attributed the late-game struggles to questionable pitching strategy, particularly the decision to throw off-speed pitches in crucial situations.

The Uni-President Lions narrowly defeated the Wei Chuan Dragons 7-5 in a rain-affected game at Tianmu Stadium, extending their winning streak. The Lions had built a seemingly comfortable 5-1 lead by the end of the seventh inning, thanks to a strong performance from starting pitcher Blake. However, the game took a dramatic turn in the bottom of the eighth inning.

I think the pitch selection was a bit off, which is something we need to review.

— Manager Lin Yue-pingThe manager commented on the closer's performance and strategic decisions during the eighth inning collapse.

Lions' key reliever Koshio entered the game with a two-run cushion but quickly faltered. After issuing a walk to the Dragons' ninth batter, Wang Cheng-shun, Koshio gave up three consecutive hits, allowing the Dragons to score two runs and tie the game. He was eventually pulled after recording the second out, having surrendered the lead.

When it was one out and no one on base, he shouldn't have thrown off-speed pitches; he should have boldly attacked with fastballs.

— Manager Lin Yue-pingThe manager elaborated on the specific pitching choices he questioned during a critical moment.

Manager Lin Yue-ping expressed his dissatisfaction with Koshio's pitching strategy during the crucial eighth inning. "I think the pitch selection was a bit off," Lin stated. He specifically pointed to the decision to throw off-speed pitches with a runner on base and one out, arguing that a more aggressive fastball approach would have been more appropriate. Lin also noted that Koshio seemed to be throwing pitches down the middle after falling behind in the count, which the Dragons capitalized on with well-placed hits.

Ultimately, the team won, but I feel sorry for Blake. I can only say sorry.

— Manager Lin Yue-pingThe manager expressed mixed feelings about the win, acknowledging the team's victory while feeling regret for the starting pitcher.

Despite the late-game scare, the Lions managed to regain the lead in the top of the ninth inning, scoring two crucial runs to secure the victory. Manager Lin acknowledged the win but expressed regret for Blake's performance, stating, "Ultimately, the team won, but I feel sorry for Blake." He also congratulated reliever Cheng Hao on earning his first career win after coming in to extinguish the eighth-inning rally. The Dragons' magic number for the first-half championship remains at M6.

Congratulations to Cheng Hao, who got his career first win.

— Manager Lin Yue-pingThe manager congratulated the reliever who secured the win after stabilizing the game.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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