Yushan Cup: Jao You-Yu's Scoreless Start Earns Experience as New Taipei Defeats Yunlin, Advances to Face Taoyuan

(CNA reporter Hsieh Ching-wen, New Taipei, June 14) In today's Yushan Cup youth baseball tournament, New Taipei City showcased strong offensive and pitching performances, defeating Yunlin County 10-3. Starting pitcher Jao You-Yu pitched three scoreless innings, allowing two hits and recording three strikeouts. However, head coach Yang Hsiao-cheng noted there is room for improvement, citing disrupted warm-up routines due to rain as a learning opportunity. New Taipei will next face Taoyuan City in a high-stakes matchup.

In the 115th Yushan Cup, New Taipei faced Yunlin County in the winners' bracket. In the top of the first inning, Chang Yi-an reached base on an infield single and advanced to second via a stolen base. Huang Shih-yao followed with a timely hit to open the scoring. With two outs, Ko Shao-chieh hit a double to add another run.

In the top of the second, Pasula Takisulinian and Chang Yi-an delivered consecutive extra-base hits, and an opponent pitcher's wild pitch brought in three more runs. In the fourth, New Taipei added another run via back-to-back walks and a sacrifice fly, followed by a run scored on a pitcher's balk. Chi-lu Shao-ma then delivered an RBI single, bringing the team's total to eight runs.

Another run was added in the fifth, and in the top of the sixth, Huang Shih-yao led off with a double, and consecutive hits brought in the team's 10th run.

On the mound, starter Jao You-Yu pitched three innings, allowing two hits and no runs with three strikeouts. Shih Chu-en relieved for two innings, allowing two runs and earning the win. Lin Ya-lun failed to record an out and gave up one run before exiting. Lin Chen-yu pitched two scoreless innings in relief to secure the victory.

Head coach Yang Hsiao-cheng stated that Jao You-Yu is a promising pitcher the team is developing. He previously reached 146 km/h in the U18 East Asia League, but today's rain-delayed start disrupted his warm-up rhythm, leading to less stable performance—an experience that will aid future growth.

Regarding freshman Lin Ya-lun, Yang noted his velocity is strong but control remains an issue. He was brought in after the lead expanded to gain real-game pitching experience. The team brought four freshmen to this Yushan Cup to develop their skills through high-pressure competition.

With this win, New Taipei advances to face Taoyuan City in the winners' bracket final for a spot in the semifinals. Coach Yang emphasized familiarity with the opponent and stressed minimizing errors to increase winning chances. (Edited by Chang Ya-ching) 1150614