Chen Chiu-Teng Records First RBI: Battery with Cheng Hao-Chun Ends CTBC Brothers' Losing Streak

Central News Agency, Taipei, May 30. In the CPBL, the CTBC Brothers started 21-year-old Chen Chiu-Teng behind the plate today to pair with pitcher Cheng Hao-Chun. Cheng was the first pitcher Chen paired with in the minor leagues after joining the pros, and they share a mutual trust that led the team to victory. Chen also recorded his first career RBI. Before today, Chen had only appeared in three first-team games this season, with only one start. In today's game against the Fubon Guardians, Chen started as catcher, and Cheng pitched six scoreless innings with nine strikeouts. The Brothers ultimately won 10-1, ending their recent eight-game losing streak. Brothers manager Hirano Keiichi praised the combination of Chen and Cheng for producing a good result and hopes this chemistry continues. Chen revealed that Cheng was the first pitcher he worked with in the pros, and he learned a lot from him during rehab starts in the minors. He applied those lessons today. Cheng faced runners in scoring position in the 4th and 6th innings but escaped with strikeouts. Chen noted that in the 6th inning, they faced the heart of the Guardians' lineup, but since Cheng was in good form, they didn't want to pitch around them. Chen focused on getting the first-pitch strike, which Cheng executed well, making the battery work smoother. Chen said they didn't discuss much before the game, and he let Cheng lead the pitch selection. Although they hadn't paired up for a while, he knew Cheng was in good form. 'I just told him I trust you, and you need to trust my pitch calling,' he said. Regarding starting in front of a full house of 40,000 at the Taipei Dome, Chen said he was nervous before the game but focused once it started. Chen also hit an RBI single in the 5th inning, his first career RBI. He said, 'With runners in scoring position, I just wanted to hit to the right side. I caught the rhythm and got the hit. Suzuki Shunsuke is a great pitcher, so I'm thrilled to contribute.'