Lin An-ko Hits 2-Run Homer in Farm Game, Helps Seibu Beat Yomiuri

(Central News Agency, reporter Xie Jingwen, Taipei 9th) Lin An-ko, a Taiwanese position player for the Saitama Seibu Lions, hit a two-run home run in the top of the 4th inning in a farm team game on Sunday, extending his team's lead and helping the Seibu Lions defeat the Yomiuri Giants 3-1.

Lin has recently had unstable starting opportunities in the top league (NPB). So far this season in the top league, he has appeared in 38 games, recording 23 hits in 115 at-bats, including 2 home runs and 10 RBIs, with a batting average of .200.

Lin previously mentioned in an interview with Japanese media that he knew it would not be easy to adapt to the high standard of Japanese professional baseball, and that not immediately producing good results was within his expectations. Lin was sent down to the farm team on May 29th to get more playing time and make adjustments.

In Sunday's game, Lin started as the 6th hitter and left fielder. He grounded out to third base in his first at-bat in the top of the 2nd inning.

With the Seibu leading 1-0 after three innings, Takuya Hiruma hit an infield single to second base with one out in the top of the 4th. Lin followed by hitting a two-run home run to right field, extending the lead.

Lin was hit by a pitch in the 6th inning and flied out to center field in the 8th. He finished the game 1-for-3 with a home run and 2 RBIs. His batting average in the farm league is now .200.

The Giants' farm team offense was stifled, scoring only one run in the bottom of the 4th inning. Seibu starting pitcher Kaito Yoza threw 107 pitches over 6 innings, allowing 4 hits, striking out 5, walking 1, and giving up 1 earned run to earn the win. (Editor: Li Hengshan) 1150609