Zheng Pin-shen of the Asian U18 Baseball Training Team Pitches 2 Scoreless Innings with 2 Strikeouts, Aiming to Prove His Strength on the International Stage

(CNA Reporter Hsieh Ching-wen, New Taipei, 17th) In the training game for the Asian U18 Baseball Championship, pitcher Zheng Pin-shen started today, pitching 2 innings with 2 strikeouts and no runs allowed. Having missed the final roster last year, he aims to be selected again this year while maintaining a calm mindset, setting a goal to challenge for an overseas baseball career within 1 to 2 years, and hopes to prove his skills on the international stage.

In the second game of the Asian U18 Baseball Championship training team's Blue-White matchup, Zheng Pin-shen started for the Blue team today. He threw 30 pitches over 2 innings, allowing 2 hits, striking out 2, and walking 2, while giving up no runs and finishing with no decision. The Blue team ultimately won 3-1.

Head Coach Yang Hsiao-cheng stated, "Zheng Pin-shen struggled a bit in the first inning today but regained stability after the second. Observing his performance throughout high school, he is a pitcher with excellent stamina. The drop-off in performance from the first inning to the last is minimal, and his control is good. Since there are pitch count limits in international tournaments, this type of pitcher is a great asset to the team's strength."

Zheng stated that today was his first game action since the Yushan Cup. He felt good but noted that his velocity has not fully manifested yet. He also revealed that after graduating this year, he considered entering the CPBL draft but ultimately hopes to pursue an overseas opportunity first, giving himself 1 to 2 years to achieve this goal.

Zheng's current top speed is around 151 km/h, with an average of about 146 km/h. He mentioned, "If I want to challenge overseas, I hope to increase both my average and top speed. Seeing peers secure overseas deals makes me anxious, but I know there's no use in rushing; I must focus on doing what I need to do."

Zheng was selected for the U18 World Cup training team last year, and teammate Lai Chien-fan has already signed with the New York Yankees. Zheng said they stay in touch, and Lai encourages him to keep a calm mind and enjoy the game.

Regarding missing the final roster last year, Zheng said, "I wanted it too much, which made my performance inconsistent. If I have the opportunity this year, I naturally want to fight for it, but I hope to maintain a calm mindset. I know the international stage is a crucial opportunity to test my ability to withstand pressure and demonstrate what I can do."