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Foreign Slugger Duo Sparks Rakuten Monkeys to Victory

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Rakuten Monkeys' new foreign slugger duo, Daway Sheng and Wik, debuted in the third and fourth spots in the batting order.
  • The pair contributed to a crucial five-run inning, including a go-ahead RBI single from Lin Tzu-wei, helping the team to a 5-1 victory.
  • While Wik has quickly adapted, Daway Sheng, a former MLB player, still seeks his first RBI after nine games, though the coach expressed confidence in his potential.

The Rakuten Monkeys have unleashed a potent new foreign slugger combination, placing Daway Sheng and Wik in the crucial third and fourth positions in their batting lineup for the first time. This strategic move, reminiscent of the 2008 CTBC Brothers lineup featuring two foreign batters in the heart of the order, paid immediate dividends. The duo, along with Lin Tzu-wei, were instrumental in breaking open a five-run inning against the Wei Chuan Dragons, securing a vital 5-1 win and snapping the Dragons' four-game winning streak.

We saw the effect of the twin slugger lineup, and it came at a time when the team needed it most.

— Tseng Hao-chuManager of the Rakuten Monkeys, commenting on the impact of the new foreign batters.

Lin Tzu-wei was the hero of the decisive sixth inning, delivering a clutch RBI single that scored the go-ahead run. An ensuing fielding error by Dragons pitcher Wu Tuo further aided the Monkeys, allowing them to extend their lead. Lin Tzu-wei, who was named the game's MVP for his contributions, believes the presence of the two foreign power hitters significantly bolsters the team's offensive potential. He noted Wik's raw power and Daway Sheng's contact hitting ability, suggesting both players' prior experience in Asian leagues prepared them well for Taiwan.

Wik is a power hitter. Daway Sheng is a contact hitter, but he's been hitting well these past two games. Both have played in Asia before, so I believe they did their homework before coming to Taiwan.

— Lin Tzu-weiPlayer for the Rakuten Monkeys, describing the strengths of the new foreign hitters.

Monkeys' manager, Tseng Hao-chu, acknowledged the immediate positive impact of the "twin slugger" lineup, stating it arrived precisely when the team needed it most. He contrasted Wik's swift adjustment, evidenced by 12 RBIs in 16 games, with Daway Sheng's slower start. Despite Daway Sheng, a former Major League Baseball player, having zero RBIs in nine games, Tseng expressed optimism. "As long as he maintains his condition, I believe he will have opportunities (to drive in runs)," Tseng said, indicating confidence in the slugger's ability to contribute offensively.

As long as he maintains his condition, I believe he will have opportunities (to drive in runs).

— Tseng Hao-chuManager of the Rakuten Monkeys, expressing confidence in Daway Sheng's ability to start driving in runs.
About this summary

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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