Chi-Hsiu Hsu's 1.2 Innings Pitched Result in 2 Home Runs and 7 Runs Allowed, Leading to Loss; Expresses Apology to Team

Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks pitcher Chi-Hsiu Hsu started today, giving up 2 home runs and 7 earned runs in 1.2 innings pitched, marking his worst outing of his Japanese career to date. The SoftBank Hawks lost 4-13 to the Orix Buffaloes, and Hsu suffered his second career loss. He stated after the game, 'I'm sorry to the team.' Hsu's first two starts in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) had records of 1 win and 1 loss, with both games being quality starts, and his pre-game ERA was only 0.69. In his third career NPB start today, playing at his home ground, Fukuoka Dome, against the Orix Buffaloes, Hsu had issues from the start. In the top of the first inning, facing the leadoff batter Yugo Sumi, he gave up a solo home run on the first pitch, a 150 km/h fastball. He then walked Ryoto Watanabe. With one out, he walked Keita Nakagawa and gave up a hit to Ryohta Ohata, allowing another run. In the second inning, Hsu could not regain his composure. Starting with a double by Kenta Wakatuki, followed by a walk to Kotaro Kurebayashi, he issued a hit-by-pitch with one out. A ground ball scored another run, followed by a hit from Keita Nakagawa scoring a run, and then a three-run home run by Ryohta Ohata. He then gave up a double to Tomoya Mori and walked him before being removed from the game. Hsu threw 60 pitches over 1.2 innings, allowing 6 hits, including 2 home runs and 2 doubles. He struck out 1 batter, walked 5 (including 3 intentional walks), and allowed 7 earned runs. His fastest pitch was 151 km/h, and he took his second career NPB loss. Hsu's ERA soared from 0.69 before the game to 4.91 after. According to Japanese media reports, Hsu stated through his interpreter after leaving the game, 'I'm sorry to the team.' The Orix offense was potent today, hitting 18 total hits, including 4 home runs, and scoring 13 runs. The SoftBank team only managed to score 1 run in the 1st and 4th innings. In the bottom of the 8th, Ken-suke Kondo and Ryoya Kurihara both hit home runs, but the rally did not continue, and SoftBank suffered the loss. (Editor: Chen Ren-hua) 1150417