Deng Kai-wei Strikes Out 7 in 5 Innings but Gets No Decision; Astros Fall in Extra Innings

(CNA, Taipei, 30th) Houston Astros Taiwanese pitcher Deng Kai-wei started today against the Milwaukee Brewers, pitching 5 innings, allowing 2 home runs and 3 runs, but also using his signature sweeper to strike out 7 batters. However, his chance for a win vanished, and the Astros ultimately lost 4-5. Deng struck out slugger Christian Yelich on three pitches to start the game, retiring the side in order in the first inning. In the second inning, after one out, he allowed a walk and a hit, creating a first-and-third situation, but successfully induced an infield grounder, relying on a precise throw from his teammates to tag out the runner attempting to score, followed by a flyout. The Astros took the lead in the bottom of the second on a solo home run by Cam Smith, but in the top of the third, Deng gave up a solo home run to left field to David Hamilton, tying the game and ending Deng's scoreless streak at 13 innings. The Astros scored 3 runs in the bottom of the fourth to take the lead again, and Deng successfully maintained it until the top of the fifth, when with two outs, he walked Yelich and then gave up a two-run home run to center field to Jackson Chourio, giving up 2 runs, before getting the third out after another walk. Deng threw a total of 91 pitches over 5 innings, allowing 3 hits including 2 home runs, giving up 3 runs, with an ERA of 2.57, 7 strikeouts, and 4 walks. His fastest pitch was 95.8 mph (approx. 154.2 km/h), and he threw 32 sweepers, which accounted for the highest percentage and generated a 42% whiff rate. The Astros were still leading by 1 run when Deng left the game, but the Brewers tied the game in the top of the eighth, turning Deng from a win candidate to a no-decision. The two teams went into extra innings, the Brewers scored the key run in the top of the 10th, and the Astros could not counter in the bottom of the 10th, resulting in a loss.