(Central News Agency reporter Su Chih-Yu, Taipei, 6th) The CPBL Uni-President 7-ELEVEn Lions won today's game thanks to a triple by Chen Chieh-Hsien. After the game, Chen stood on the MVP stage at the Taipei Dome for the first time. Thinking of his former teammate Lin An-Ko, he emotionally called out to him across the sea: "You have to work hard, we all support you."

The Lions defeated the Fubon Guardians 8-0 today. Chen Chieh-Hsien entered the game as a pinch runner in the 4th inning and hit a bases-clearing triple in the 5th inning to break a 0-0 deadlock. He finished the game with 3 hits and 4 RBIs, earning his first career single-game MVP at the Taipei Dome.

In a post-game interview, Chen said, "I envy An-Ko. He was MVP for two consecutive days during the All-Star Game, and our previous win at the Dome was also thanks to him. I finally understand that the scenery An-Ko sees is this beautiful." Lin An-Ko has won one regular-season single-game MVP at the Dome and two during the 2024 All-Star Game.

Thinking of his former teammate now playing in Japan, Chen said, "Living alone in Japan, you need to take good care of your health." The two were former roommates, and Chen often played the role of "annoying" Lin. "Maybe it's too quiet in Japan, and no one is there to bother him, so he can't hit. Right, An-Ko?" he joked.

Chen then became serious, saying that playing abroad is not easy, especially with the high level of competition in Nippon Professional Baseball. "He represents the Lions and Taiwan in Japan. I believe in his abilities and believe he will only get better. Don't come back; keep working hard over there," he said.

Having been on the bench for several games due to lower back discomfort, Chen became the hero of the win today. "This was the most nervous I've been all season," he admitted. When the team failed to score with runners in scoring position, the pressure was high on both coaches and players. "When it was my turn, I told myself to first believe in myself and step onto the field with strong confidence," he said.

Chen admitted that watching from the sidelines for the previous games was difficult. Although his physical condition hadn't fully recovered, he felt he was able to play and "fought for the chance to get on the field." He also thanked the coaching staff for giving him adequate rest and the trainers for helping him recover. "They accompanied me to find doctors in Taipei, visiting three or four hospitals, which allowed me to return to the field today," he said. (Editor: Chen Renhua) 1150606

FACT BOX

  • Source: CNA (Central News Agency)
  • Category: Event