Lions' Bullpen Meltdown Costs Pitcher Brock Duerksen Potential Win

Uni-President Lions pitcher Brock Duerksen experienced a frustrating outing as his team's bullpen squandered a lead, costing him a potential third win of the season. Duerksen delivered a strong performance, pitching six innings and allowing only one earned run against the Wei Chuan Dragons on Saturday, June 14, 2026. He was even a candidate for the game's Most Valuable Player.

However, the Lions' bullpen faltered in the eighth inning. Reliever Takashige Takashio allowed four runs after giving up a walk and then consecutive hits, leading to a game-tying rally for the Dragons. The game ended in a 5-5 tie, leaving Duerksen's win in limbo.

This outcome adds to Duerksen's season of misfortune. Prior to Saturday's game, he had four consecutive quality starts without a win, including a complete game loss. The article notes that Duerksen and Wei Chuan Dragons' Drew Gagnon are among the most 'tragic' foreign pitchers in the Chinese Professional Baseball League this season. Both have earned run averages below 2.00 but have received minimal run support, ranking second and third in the league for low support rates.

The Lions' offense also struggled early against Gagnon, failing to score for the first three innings. They managed to put three runs on the board in the fourth inning, but it wasn't enough to secure the victory. The team's manager, Lin Yueh-ping, acknowledged Duerksen's low run support but praised his contributions to the team.

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Brock has experienced good and bad times since joining the team. It's just that in many games he's pitched this year, the run support hasn't been great. But we won't let losses diminish his contributions.