CPBL: Manager praises pitcher-catcher battery after shutout win

Fubon Guardians' left-handed pitcher Chen Shih-peng achieved a career-first "Medeiros Complete Game Shutout" on Wednesday, throwing just 94 pitches. He secured his first win of the season and earned the Most Valuable Player award, leading his team to a 6-0 victory over the Uni-President Lions.

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Today was truly a victory for the battery!

Chen had struggled at the start of the season, losing his first two starts with a high ERA of 15. However, his performance on Wednesday marked a significant comeback. "Chen Shih-peng put a lot of pressure on himself in the first half of the season, but today he delivered a great performance and achieved a complete game shutout," said Fubon manager Goto Mitsutaka. "I am very satisfied."

Catcher Lin Tai-an was instrumental in Chen's success, acting as a "shadow功臣" (unsung hero) during the shutout. Goto noted that while the battery's coordination wasn't perfect in the first inning, continuous communication between Chen and Lin during the subsequent innings led to excellent results. "Lin Tai-an performed exceptionally well today," Goto added.

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Chen Shih-peng put a lot of pressure on himself in the first half of the season, but today he delivered a great performance and achieved a complete game shutout. I am very satisfied.

The Guardians' infield also contributed significantly, turning four double plays. Although the infielders' throwing accuracy could have been better, Goto praised Chen's ability to keep the ball low when runners were on first base, setting up ground balls for double plays. "Today was truly a victory for the battery," Goto declared.

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Lin Tai-an performed exceptionally well today.

Even with an average fastball speed of only 140 kilometers per hour, Chen effectively contained the Lions' offense. "Chen Shih-peng's pitching style is a learning goal for other local pitchers," Goto observed. "His ability to achieve a Medeiros complete game shutout today should significantly boost his confidence."

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Chen Shih-peng's pitching style is a learning goal for other local pitchers. His ability to achieve a Medeiros complete game shutout today should significantly boost his confidence.