Sha Tzu-Chen Pitches Well in High-A Debut; Chuang Chen-Ao Gives Up 2 Homers in Triple-A Start, Takes Loss

Oakland Athletics' 22-year-old Taiwanese pitcher Sha Tzu-Chen made his first start of the season today in High-A against the San Diego Padres. Sha Tzu-Chen retired the first three batters in the first inning. In the bottom of the second, he allowed a hit after hitting a batter with a pitch, giving up 1 run, but managed to regain his composure and prevent further scoring. In the bottom of the third, despite giving up two hits, Sha Tzu-Chen held his ground without allowing runs. He settled down in the fourth and fifth innings, retiring six batters in a row. Sha Tzu-Chen threw 57 pitches over 5 innings, allowing 4 hits, striking out 3, and hitting 1 batter, with 1 earned run. His team won 3-1, and Sha Tzu-Chen was not involved in the decision. His ERA is now 1.80. Athletics' 25-year-old Taiwanese pitcher Chuang Chen-Ao started today in Triple-A against the San Francisco Giants. In the bottom of the first, Chuang Chen-Ao issued a walk and allowed a hit but did not allow a run. He retired three batters in a row in the bottom of the second. In the bottom of the third, he allowed a solo home run to the leadoff batter, Nate Furman, and after allowing another hit, surrendered a 2-run homer to Jesus Rodriguez. After two outs, he allowed a double but managed to stabilize and get a ground out, preventing further scoring. Continuing in the bottom of the fourth, Chuang Chen-Ao walked the first batter, struck out the next for the first out, and then issued another walk before being removed from the game. The relief pitcher allowed a hit with two outs, leading to a run, which was charged to Chuang Chen-Ao. Chuang Chen-Ao threw 78 pitches over 3.1 innings, allowing 5 hits, including 2 home runs, striking out 4, and giving up 4 earned runs. His fastest pitch was around 151 kph. His team lost 3-5, and Chuang Chen-Ao took the loss. His ERA is now 9.39. (Editor: Li Shu-hua) 1150408