Liao Yuanlin's walk-off hit leads Taitung to victory at Yushan Cup; aims to become offensive catcher for draft

(CNA reporter Hsieh Ching-wen, New Taipei City, June 14) In today's Yushan Cup youth baseball tournament matchup between Taitung County and Hualien County, a pitcher's duel unfolded. Taitung's starting left-hander Tseng Jui-Hao pitched six scoreless innings, and Liao Yuanlin delivered a walk-off single in the bottom of the 7th inning to secure a 1-0 victory. Both Tseng and Liao are preparing for the upcoming player draft, with the coach expressing hopes for Liao to develop into an offensive catcher.

In the 115th Yushan Cup youth baseball tournament's upper bracket game, Taitung faced off against Hualien in a tightly contested pitcher's battle. Taitung's starting left-hander Tseng Jui-Hao allowed a hit-by-pitch walk in the first inning but quickly regained control, preventing the opposing team from extending their offense.

Tseng began retiring 15 consecutive batters starting from the second inning, not allowing any Hualien batter to reach base. He threw 69 pitches over six innings, allowing no hits, recording six strikeouts and one hit-by-pitch, remaining scoreless throughout and demonstrating strong dominance. Taitung head coach Chen Feng-Yueh stated that Tseng's suppression over the first six innings was crucial to securing today's victory.

Hualien's starting pitcher Tsai Chin-Yu allowed only two hits over the first six innings. In the bottom of the 7th, he issued a bases-on-balls to Lin Tsung-Pin, followed by a single from Lin Yi-Hsun. After intentionally walking Fang Pin-Yen, he was hit by Liao Yuanlin's walk-off single. Tsai pitched a complete game, allowing one run, and suffered the loss.

Taitung head coach Chen Feng-Yueh commented that although Tsai's velocity wasn't exceptionally fast, his height advantage and well-placed pitches to both inner and outer corners compressed Taitung's hitters, limiting breakthroughs until the 7th inning.

Liao Yuanlin served as the designated hitter today, failing to record a hit in his first two at-bats before becoming the hero with the walk-off single in the 7th inning. Coach Chen noted that with two catchers on the roster, playing time will be adjusted based on pitcher-catcher compatibility, and pre-game scouting discussions are conducted between pitchers and catchers.

Chen stated that although Liao isn't particularly tall, his sturdy build gives him the potential to become an offensive catcher. Praising his hitting ability, Chen hopes Liao can further improve his defensive skills, accumulate experience, and reach a high level of performance.

Liao shared that in his final at-bat, he focused on driving the ball to the outfield to create scoring opportunities. He believes he possesses power-hitting capabilities. While he feels his in-game guidance helps pitchers feel secure behind the plate, he acknowledges that pitch-calling remains an area for improvement. He aims to test his abilities in the draft; if not selected, he plans to continue developing with a university team. (Editor: Li Shu-Hua) 1150614

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