Hsu Jo-Hsi Throws 6-Inning Quality Start, Strikes Out Twice in First NPB At-Bats

(Central News Agency reporter Hsieh Ching-wen, Taipei, 7th) Hsu Jo-Hsi, a pitcher for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, started against the Yokohama DeNA BayStars today, throwing 6 innings and allowing 2 earned runs for a quality start, with a top fastball speed of 156 km/h. He also debuted as a batter in NPB, but struck out in both of his at-bats.

Hsu started the interleague exhibition game at Yokohama Stadium, batting ninth. In the bottom of the first inning, he got the leadoff batter to ground out to shortstop and recorded a strikeout. After two outs, he walked Keita Sano, but the defense caught a runner attempting to steal to end the threat.

Hsu retired the side in order in the second inning. In the third inning, with two outs, he allowed an infield single to Takuto Ogata, walked a batter, and then gave up a two-run double to center field to Shugo Maki. He then allowed an infield single to Sano but got Yoshitomo Tsutsugo to fly out to shortstop to prevent further damage.

Hsu allowed a hit but no runs in the fourth inning. He retired the side in order in the fifth. In the sixth inning, he allowed a double to center field to Sano. With one out, Toshiro Miyazaki hit a comebacker for an infield single. After brief treatment, Hsu continued and induced two groundouts to end his outing.

At the plate, Hsu struck out looking in his first career at-bat in the top of the third inning. In his second at-bat in the top of the fifth, he swung and missed twice for another strikeout, finishing 0-for-2 with two strikeouts.

Hsu threw 93 pitches over 6 innings, allowing 6 hits, striking out 4, walking 2, and allowing 2 earned runs. His fastest pitch was 156 km/h. He left the game with his team trailing 1-2, but the SoftBank Hawks tied the game in the top of the 7th inning, removing Hsu from the decision for the loss. (Editor: Wu Su-rou)