Yu-Shan Cup: Hsu Ting-Kai Seeks Brother Hsu Ting-Lun's Advice, Hits 2 Doubles in Draft Bid

(CNA reporter Hsieh Ching-wen, New Taipei, June 16) Taitung County's Hsu Ting-Kai is aiming for the professional leagues through strong performances at the Yu-Shan Cup high school baseball tournament. After seeking swing advice from his brother Hsu Ting-Lun, the adjustments proved effective—today, he hit two doubles and recorded one RBI. Head coach Chen Feng-yue praised his solid defense, power at the plate, and significant improvement.

In the 115th Yu-Shan Cup, Taitung County faced off against Tainan City. Hsu Ting-Kai started at third base and batted second. In the bottom of the first inning, he hit a double to center field. In the third inning, with runners in scoring position, he hit another double to left field, driving in the team's first run. He went 2-for-3 with an RBI, contributing the game-winning hit as Taitung County won 3–1 and advanced to the semifinals.

Hsu previously played as a two-way player (pitcher and hitter), but head coach Chen Feng-yue explained this was due to a shortage of pitchers. With the pitching staff now strengthened, Hsu has primarily played as a position player since the second semester of his senior year. His third-base defense has always been strong, and his hitting has shown marked improvement recently.

Chen revealed that Hsu adjusted his swing mechanics—previously, his contact often generated excessive spin, pulling the ball into foul territory. By refining his swing path and motion, he corrected this tendency. Combined with his natural power, both of today’s extra-base hits came after falling behind 0–2 in the count.

Hsu plans to enter the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) draft as a hitter. Chen noted that Hsu has greater long-term potential as a position player. While his pitching velocity plateaued, he has regained confidence in hitting and improved his pitch selection. At third base, his reads on ball bounces and positioning are consistently stable.

Hsu admitted his earlier adjustments weren’t effective, so he called his brother—currently with the CTBC Brothers in the CPBL—for help. They used video calls to review his swing, and his brother advised him on timing and swing trajectory.

Hsu played on the same teams as his brother in elementary and middle school, only separating in high school. He laughed, saying, 'This is the first time I’ve proactively asked my brother for technical advice—because I really want to perform and make it to the draft.' When asked if he hopes to join the same pro team as his brother, he smiled and said, 'That’s up to the team’s decision.' (Editor: Chang Ming-kun) 1150616

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