Yu-Shan Cup: Cheng Pin-Shen's Stellar Start Draws Over 20 Scouts, Aiming to Reclaim National Team Spot

(CNA reporter Hsieh Ching-wen, New Taipei, June 16) Cheng Pin-Shen, pitcher for Kaohsiung's youth baseball team, drew over 20 scouts to the Yu-Shan Cup today. Cheng delivered a dominant 6-inning, scoreless performance, leading his team to victory. He rated it his best outing in his senior year, expressing joy in playing baseball and a renewed determination to earn a spot on the national youth team and 'reclaim what was lost.'

In the 2026 Yu-Shan Cup, Kaohsiung faced Yunlin County today, drawing more than 20 scouts to the venue. In fact, numerous professional scouts from the U.S. and Japan visited the Sanchong Baseball Field yesterday, including former NPB star Hisayoshi Nagano, but missed Cheng's appearance. Today, scouts returned with radar guns ready.

Cheng threw 83 pitches over 6 innings, allowing 3 hits and recording 6 strikeouts with no runs allowed. His fastball reached 147 km/h. He exited with a lead, but Yunlin tied the game in the 7th inning. Kaohsiung eventually won 3-1 in the 9th inning of extra innings, leaving Cheng with a no-decision.

Kaohsiung head coach Shih Hung-chieh praised Cheng's performance, noting his velocity and command of breaking balls were on point. He added that Cheng's fastball has improved this year, reaching up to 151 km/h in bullpen sessions, though his breaking balls could still be sharper and more consistent.

Cheng rated today's start as his best in high school, saying his mindset and emotions were different. 'I felt less pressure and could enjoy the fun of playing baseball—just a bit of nervousness and excitement,' he said.

Cheng's sweeper has grown more confident over time. He began refining it in ninth grade and received technical adjustments at a training center in his sophomore year, improving his delivery. Besides his fastball, his sweeper and split-changeup are now his most trusted pitches.

Cheng has long aimed for an overseas career, but admitted to wavering after the wooden bat league earlier this year, wondering if going abroad was still possible. However, teammates and coaches encouraged him, saying, 'If you want it, go for it—they believe in me more than I believe in myself.'

Last year, Cheng was selected for the U18 World Cup training squad but didn't make the final roster. Seeing teammate Lin Chun-hsi sign with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Cheng said it motivates him: 'If they can do it, so can I.' He aims to reclaim his spot on the national youth team this year and 'get back what was lost.' (Edited by Chang Ya-ching) 20260616

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