Hsu Jo-hsi Strikes Out in NPB Batting Debut; Former Coach Reveals He Was an Excellent Shortstop

(CNA, Taipei, 7th) Pitcher Hsu Jo-hsi of Japan's Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks started in a Central League home game today and got a chance at the plate, striking out twice in two at-bats. Hsu's junior high coach, Huang Wei-chih, revealed that although Hsu's batting was not outstanding in junior high, his defense as a shortstop had once attracted the attention of foreign scouts.

Hsu Jo-hsi, a pitcher for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, started against the Yokohama DeNA BayStars in an interleague game today. Because the game was held at Yokohama Stadium, a Central League home field, Hsu was required to bat. Hsu served as the starting pitcher and batted ninth.

In the top of the third inning, Hsu stepped up to the plate against Yokohama pitcher Takato Ogata. Facing six consecutive fastballs, the fastest reaching 154 km/h, Hsu was struck out looking. He came to the plate again in the top of the fifth inning and, after one strike, swung and missed twice to strike out.

After Hsu's first professional at-bats ended in two strikeouts, his alma mater Hsin Ming Junior High School's head coach, Huang Wei-chih, recalled Hsu's performance as a fielder in an interview with CNA, smiling as he said, "He was my best shortstop."

Huang stated that although Hsu lacked power and explosiveness in his batting during junior high, his pitching already showed good coordination and he threw a great slider. As a batter, Hsu mostly hit in the lower part of the order, but his defense at shortstop was excellent, to the point that foreign scouts had taken notice. (Editor: Chen Jen-hua) 1150607