Taiwan celebrates historic win at world baseball championship

Lyon Chiang, New York

In a historic night for Taiwanese baseball, the Chinese Taipei national team defeated Japan 4-0 to claim the WBSC Premier12 championship, marking the first time Taiwan has won a senior-level international baseball tournament. This victory, celebrated as the most significant moment in Taiwan’s baseball history, has captured global attention and admiration.

The game began with both teams locked in a pitching duel, remaining scoreless through four innings. In the fifth inning, Taiwan finally broke through Japan’s defenses. Catcher Lin Chia-Cheng (林家正) launched a solo home run to break the deadlock, followed by captain Chen Chieh-Hsien (陳傑憲) delivering a decisive three-run homer that sealed Taiwan’s commanding lead. The offensive fireworks were complemented by a stellar pitching performance. Lin Yu-Min (林昱珉), Chang Yi (張奕), Chen Kuan-Yu (陳冠宇), and Lin Kai-Wei (林凱威) combined efforts to hold Japan to just four scattered hits, denying them any runs in a flawless defensive display.

Starting pitcher Lin Yu-Min (林昱珉), a rising star in the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Triple-A system, was pivotal in Taiwan’s success. He pitched four innings, giving up only one hit, striking out three batters, and allowing no runs. His performance earned praise from international media, including Sports Illustrated, which highlighted his crucial role in Taiwan’s triumph. Lin Chia-Cheng (林家正), who contributed with a key home run, and Lin Kai-Wei (林凱威), who pitched a scoreless inning in relief, also showcased their talents honed in the Diamondbacks’ minor league system.

International outlets widely praised Taiwan’s stunning victory. The Japan Times described it as a “historic upset,” noting that Japan, the top-ranked team and perennial favorite, was overshadowed on this remarkable night. Japan’s coach Hirokazu Ibata (井端弘和) commended Taiwan’s performance, acknowledging the challenges his team faced against Taiwan’s exceptional pitching and offensive strength. South Korea’s Maeil Business Newspaper called the win a “historic milestone,” emphasizing that it was Taiwan’s first international victory over Japan since the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, ending a 32-year drought.

The emotional significance of the moment was underscored by Chen Chieh-Hsien (陳傑憲), who was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) for his exceptional .625 batting average. Fighting back tears during the post-game celebrations, Chen Chieh-Hsien (陳傑憲) declared, “We’ve made history and created a miracle. From being underestimated to becoming champions, this journey was incredible. To our fans in Taiwan, thank you for believing in us—never give up on us.”

The victory also brought substantial financial rewards. Taiwan’s players collectively earned NT$300 million, including NT$196 million from National Sports Medal bonuses, NT$48.87 million from WBSC prize money, and NT$70 million in additional incentives from CTBA Chairman Jeffrey Koo Jr. (辜仲諒). The team’s achievement not only ended Japan’s 27-game international winning streak but also set a new benchmark for Taiwan’s baseball legacy.

As celebrations erupted across the nation, the victory signaled the dawn of a new era for Taiwanese baseball. This historic achievement has inspired fans and players alike, firmly establishing Taiwan as a force to be reckoned with on the global baseball stage.

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