Uni-Lions Rally with 5-Run Inning to Defeat Wei Chuan Dragons, Dragons' Magic Number Drops to M6

(Taipei, April 13, CNA reporter Su Chih-Yu) The Uni-President 7-Eleven Lions rallied with a 5-run rally in the top of the 8th inning to defeat the Wei Chuan Dragons 6-1. However, the Dragons still saw their magic number for clinching the first-half season title reduced to 'M6' due to the Fubon Guardians losing to the Taiwan Steel Eagles elsewhere.

Both starting pitchers delivered strong performances. Jordan Balazovic of the Lions pitched 6 innings, allowing 2 hits and 7 strikeouts with only 1 run allowed. Marcelo Martinez of the Dragons threw 7 innings, giving up 9 hits but only 1 unearned run.

The Lions advanced runners into scoring position in each of the first four innings but managed only 1 run in the 4th on a defensive error, tying the game. However, in the top of the 8th, they capitalized on a pitching change, collecting 5 hits and 2 walks to score 5 runs. Chen Sheng-Ping delivered the go-ahead RBI single, while Chiu Chih-Cheng's 2-RBI triple extended the lead. Chen Chieh-Hsien and Su Chih-Chieh each added an RBI.

After the game, Lions manager Lin Yueh-Ping pointed out that offensive performance with runners in scoring position remains the team's weakest area: 'When there are runners in scoring position, batters don't feel comfortable executing. They need to focus on fundamentals and making solid contact.' He praised the 8th-inning breakthrough: 'Once the go-ahead hit came, the players became more aggressive and confident at the plate.'

Chen Chieh-Hsien went 5-for-5 with 1 RBI in the game, setting a new personal best for most hits in a single game. Previously, his best was 4 hits, which he had achieved 22 times. (Edited by Li Heng-Shan) 1150613