Yu-Hsin Chen Studies Lin Shih-Hsiang's Changeup, Expands Pitching Arsenal Ahead of CPBL Draft Challenge

Central News Agency Report

(CNA reporter Hsieh Ching-wen, New Taipei, June 16) — In the Jade Mountain Cup youth baseball tournament, Kaohsiung pitcher Yu-Hsin Chen allowed a tying home run in the bottom of the 7th inning but quickly stabilized to prevent further runs. Kaohsiung defeated Yunlin County 3-1 in extra innings. Chen, who has been practicing Lin Shih-Hsiang’s changeup to enrich his pitching arsenal, will challenge the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) draft after graduation.

In the 115th Jade Mountain Cup, Kaohsiung faced Yunlin County. Kaohsiung held a one-run lead through six innings. Chen entered in the bottom of the 7th with two outs and immediately gave up a home run to Yunlin’s pinch-hitter Cheng Chieh-Yu, but quickly recovered to strike out the next batter for the third out.

Kaohsiung scored in the 9th inning of extra innings to win 3-1, keeping their hopes alive in the losers’ bracket. Chen pitched one inning in relief, allowing one run, with no decision. The win was credited to reliever Chen Yu-Hsun.

Kaohsiung head coach Shih Hung-Chieh noted that the home run Chen allowed wasn’t a poorly thrown pitch but was well-timed by the batter. He added that although Chen’s fastball isn’t particularly fast, he possesses an excellent slider. The coach also suggested Chen work on a pitch that moves opposite to his slider to enhance pitch variety.

Chen admitted the home run was a high slider and said he focused on maintaining a tied game after the blast, determined to finish the inning cleanly. He thought the ball was a flyout, not a home run, and revealed it was the first time he’d allowed a homer in a high school official game.

After graduation, Chen plans to enter the CPBL draft. His coach has taught him Lin Shih-Hsiang’s changeup, which he is gradually mastering. His current repertoire includes sliders and forkballs, and he aims to add a cutter. His fastball tops out at around 144 km/h.

Chen played at Pingchen High School in his first year but had limited opportunities and wasn’t officially registered. In his second year, on the advice of teammate Chuan Yung-Lo, he transferred to Pumen High School. He said the decision took time and acknowledged his skill gap, but chose Pumen to gain more playing experience and opportunities.