Sun Yi-Lei Earns First Career Win in NPB, Dedicates Game Ball to Parents

(Central News Agency, reporter Xie Jingwen, Taipei, June 12) Taiwanese pitcher Sun Yi-Lei of the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters started and earned his first career win in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) on June 12. He revealed that he had felt anxious and uncertain along the way, sometimes doubting if he could start in the top league. Winning his first game has brought him some relief, and he plans to give the commemorative game ball to his parents.

In his first start of the season on June 12 against the Yokohama DeNA BayStars, Sun Yi-Lei threw 95 pitches over 6 innings, allowing only 2 hits, striking out 8, walking 1, and giving up no runs. He led his team to a 3-0 victory, securing his first career win in NPB.

In a video interview with his management agency, Sun admitted to feeling anxious. "There were times I wondered if I could start in the first team, and I felt uneasy. Finally getting my first win has made me feel a bit more relaxed," he said.

Reviewing his start, Sun rated his fastball and changeup as being in good condition. He noted that if his splitter had been better, he might have pitched more easily and used fewer pitches. A positive aspect, he said, was that he managed to get strikeouts when needed.

Sun recalled that last Father's Day, he had prepared a special glove but didn't perform well and didn't make it to the top team. This Mother's Day, he prepared shoes but again didn't get a chance to play in the first team. He expressed feeling sorry to his parents and wants to give them his first-win game ball.

Since starting his baseball career in Japan in 2023, Sun has faced numerous challenges. Initially, he knew nothing and couldn't complete a full season, needing rest mid-season, experiencing hand discomfort, and struggling with the Japanese language. Through hard work, he gradually improved. Last year, he had two starts but failed to deliver results. This season, he didn't start the year in the first team either. However, he channeled his frustration into strength, and his performance on June 12 allowed him to vent his pent-up feelings.

Sun thanked his fans for their support, noting that even in Hokkaido, so far from Taiwan, he sees many Taiwanese people who call out to him in Chinese. He said he pitched with the mindset of ensuring Taiwanese fans got their money's worth. "I hope everyone enjoyed the process and the result of this game," he said. (Editor: Zhang Mingkun) 1150612