Zhang Ke-Jin Shines with Second Career Shutout at Yushan Cup, Dominates with High Spin Rates

(CNA reporter Hsieh Ching-wen, New Taipei, June 13) — At the Yushan Cup youth baseball tournament, Nantou County's left-handed pitcher Zhang Ke-Jin delivered an outstanding 7-inning performance today, leading his team to a 3-0 victory over Taipei City and securing his second career high school shutout. Nantou County coach Yao Yu-Hsiang praised Zhang, stating, "Zhang's pitches have excellent spin rates, giving him strong suppression capabilities."

In the 115th Yushan Cup youth baseball tournament, Nantou County faced Taipei City in the elimination bracket today. Zhang Ke-Jin threw 94 pitches over 7 innings, allowing only 2 hits, recording 4 strikeouts and 3 walks, and did not allow a single run, completing a shutout that secured a crucial victory for his team.

Coach Yao Yu-Hsiang noted that Zhang struggled with control in his first preliminary game against Kaohsiung City, but today's outing felt smooth. "We told him to just keep pitching as long as he could. He found his rhythm and regained the confidence he had back in his first year of high school," Yao said.

Zhang, who was selected for the county team as a first-year student and once considered highly promising, hit a slump in the second semester of his first year. "I couldn't find my release point for a long time," Zhang recalled. "I kept practicing and throwing, gradually regaining my feel with the coach's advice."

Zhang remained hitless through the first three innings, but revealed that starting in the third inning, the coach repeatedly checked if he could continue. "I kept saying I could," he said. When a crisis arose in the seventh inning, the coach reminded him to boldly attack the strike zone and trust the defense. Zhang completed his second career high school shutout.

Zhang also shared a small anecdote: before the game, he met Lauen Mangge from Yunlin County, with whom he once played together on Nantou County's middle school team. Yunlin County had defeated Taipei City the previous day, and Lauen shared insights about Taipei City's batters with Zhang.

Now a second-year high school student, Zhang throws not only fastballs but also curveballs, sinkers, and changeups. He is most confident in his curveball and hopes to improve both his physical coordination and mental toughness during high school, aiming to stay composed and fearless in high-pressure situations. (Edited by Li Heng-Shan) 1150613