New Taipei City Wins Yushan Cup for the First Time in Four Years, Secures Training Rights for U18 Asian Baseball Championship

Central News Agency (CNA), New Taipei City, June 20 - New Taipei City defeated Kaohsiung City 7-3 today to win the Yushan Cup high school baseball championship. This victory marks the team's first title in four years and grants them the authority to oversee the selection and training of the Taiwan team for the U18 Asian Baseball Championship, scheduled to be held in Taiwan this September.

Two-way player Chang Yi-an was instrumental in the win, recording two hits and pitching 2.1 scoreless innings in relief. In the bottom of the first inning, New Taipei City scored the first run via a timely hit from Tu Yi-ze, followed by a two-run double from Pasula Takisilin. While Kaohsiung City narrowed the gap in the third, New Taipei City extended their lead with a double by Kao Chiu Sheng-hung in the fourth inning.

Kaohsiung capitalized on a defensive error by New Taipei City in the fifth to score two runs, but Chang Yi-an stabilized the mound to prevent further damage. New Taipei City responded with additional runs in the fifth and sixth innings, sealing the 7-3 victory. Manager Yang Hsiao-cheng praised the senior players for their composure under pressure.

Chang, a veteran of last year's U18 World Cup, expressed his desire to represent Taiwan again and redeem his performance from the previous international tournament. Relief pitcher Wu Hao-hsiang was credited with the win.