Chu Yu-Hsien's Walk-Off Hit Propels Wei Chuan Dragons to Victory, M7 for First-Half Title; Manager Yeh Recognizes Resilience as Winning Trait

(Taipei, April 11 — Reporter Su Chih-Yu) The Wei Chuan Dragons of the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) defeated the CTBC Brothers 4-3 today, thanks to a walk-off single by Chu Yu-Hsien, bringing their magic number to clinch the first-half title down to M7. The Dragons have repeatedly staged dramatic comebacks this season, and manager Yeh Chun-Chang remarked, "This is the basic equipment of a winning team."

Facing the Brothers at Tianmu Baseball Stadium in Taipei, the Dragons took an early lead in the bottom of the first inning. However, in the top of the seventh, starting pitcher John Gant issued a walk, allowed a hit, and hit a batter, loading the bases before exiting. The bullpen failed to stabilize the game, surrendering three runs and allowing the Brothers to take the lead.

In the bottom of the seventh, the Dragons also found themselves with the bases loaded and no outs. Chu Yu-Hsien was called out for offensive interference after colliding with first baseman Hsu Chi-Hung, who was attempting to catch a foul fly ball hit by Chang Cheng-Yu. The umpires ruled interference, resulting in an out, but allowed Chang to continue his at-bat, and the Dragons scored one run.

The game was decided in the bottom of the ninth. Chang Yu-Chia reached on an infield single, and Kuo Tien-Hsin followed with a double. Chu Yu-Hsien then drove the ball into the outfield, allowing Kuo to score the winning run after evading a tag at home plate, securing a walk-off victory.

Manager Yeh, speaking to the media after the game, emphasized that such resilience is characteristic of winning teams. "Players face pressure, but our team is now mature enough to believe that if we stay close early, opportunities will come later," he said.

Chu reflected on the interference call: "I discussed it with the umpires and learned that the fielder has priority. If the ball had been in fair territory, it could have been ruled a double play. Next time, I’ll make sure to avoid interfering with the fielder."

Despite the earlier mistake, Chu delivered the decisive hit. "It was crucial that my teammates got on base first, putting pressure on the pitcher. Without their efforts, my key hit wouldn’t have happened. In the next game, I’ll aim to get on base and create opportunities for my teammates," Chu said. (Editor: Chang Ya-Ching) 1150611