Lin Yen-Kai Hits 3 Triples to Lead Yunlin to Victory at Yu-Shan Cup, Aims for CPBL Draft with Comprehensive Hitting Approach

(Taipei, New Taipei City, June 13 — Reporter Hsieh Ching-Wen) At the Yu-Shan Cup youth baseball tournament, Yunlin County's Lin Yen-Kai hit three triples today, driving in three runs and leading his team to a 10-0, five-inning victory over Chiayi City. Known as a 'utility player,' Lin is aiming for the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) draft. Head coach Wu Ping-Lun praised his wide-angle hitting ability, stating that with increased power, Lin could evolve into a 'complete hitter.'

In the 115th Yu-Shan Cup youth baseball tournament, Yunlin County defeated Taipei City in their opening match yesterday. Today, they faced Chiayi City in the winners' bracket, with their offense shining. Leadoff hitter Lin Yen-Kai hit an RBI triple in the top of the 2nd inning, followed by another triple in the 4th. He scored on a wild pitch and, with the team leading 8-0 in the 5th inning, hit his third triple of the game, driving in two runs and triggering the mercy rule.

A senior in high school, Lin decided to pursue the CPBL draft after finishing the High School Wood Bat League earlier this year. He joked, 'I heard many of my peers want to play abroad, so I thought I’d give the CPBL draft a try—maybe I’ll get picked.'

Yunlin County head coach Wu Ping-Lun noted that as a left-handed hitter, Lin has excellent speed and a contact-oriented hitting style. Though not a power hitter, his ability to hit to all fields is well-rounded. 'Once he gains more strength and explosive power, he could become a very strong hitter,' Wu said.

Lin was recruited by Wu from Taipei to play in Yunlin. Wu recalled that Lin wasn't physically outstanding in middle school but was seen as a long-term investment. 'If he grew during high school, it would be worth it. Lin isn’t a 'complete player' yet, but with one or two more years of development, he could transform significantly,' Wu added.

Lin is a two-way player with a top pitching velocity of 140 km/h. He can play all three outfield positions and primarily plays second base in the infield. Wu believes Lin has a brighter future as a hitter if he pursues a professional career.

This was Lin’s first time hitting three triples in a single game. He explained that knowing the opposing pitcher wasn’t fast, he focused on pulling the ball inside the strike zone. Over three years of high school, Lin grew about 10 cm, now standing at 183 cm. On team off-days, he travels north at his own expense to train at a specialized center. He enjoys his role as a utility player and hopes to maintain it, while also aiming to earn a spot on the national youth team before graduation. (Editor: Chang Ming-Kun) 1150613