Dawson, Liang Connect to End Scoring Drought as Rakuten Monkeys Defeat Uni-Lions

The Rakuten Monkeys ended their scoring drought and a two-game losing streak with an 8-4 victory over the Uni-Lions. The team had been shut out in their previous two contests against the CTBC Brothers and the Lions, highlighting a significant offensive struggle.

Their breakthrough came in the bottom of the fourth inning when they exploded for four runs. This offensive surge not only gave them the lead but also ended a streak of 22 consecutive innings without scoring, a new club record since the Rakuten era began. The team's previous scoring drought, including the final inning of their game on August 25th, had reached 19 innings before this game.

Key to the fourth-inning rally was American import Dawson, batting cleanup for the first time in his CPBL career, who hit an RBI single to tie the game. Liang Chia-jung then delivered a clutch two-run double, driving in the go-ahead runs. Lin Tzu-wei added another RBI with a single, capping off the decisive four-run frame. The Lions' starting pitcher, Jordan, who had been dominant, was replaced after struggling with walks and hits.

The Uni-Lions attempted to rally, scoring two runs in the fifth inning to narrow the deficit to one run. However, the Monkeys extended their lead in the seventh and eighth innings, with contributions from Lin Li, Wade, and a late insurance run in the bottom of the eighth.