Lin An-ko gets 1 hit in 4 at-bats as Seibu Lions defeat SoftBank Hawks

(Central News Agency, Taipei, 21st) Saitama Seibu Lions fielder Lin An-ko started in today's game, getting a hit in his first at-bat in the bottom of the 1st inning. He went 1-for-4 for the game but also struck out twice; the Lions ultimately defeated the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks 6-4.

Lin An-ko went 0-for-4 in his previous game on the 19th. Tonight, he started at home, batting 4th and playing right field.

The Lions' offense started in the bottom of the 1st. Masashi Kuwahara led off with a triple to left field, Genda Sosuke drew a walk, and Seiya Watanabe's single brought in the team's first run. Lin An-ko followed with a single to left field to advance the runners. Seibu then scored another run on a groundout. After two outs, Taiga Hirasawa hit a double to right field to add another run. The Lions' offense continued with a walk and consecutive hits, scoring a total of 6 runs in the opening inning.

Lin An-ko flied out to shortstop in the bottom of the 3rd, and struck out in the 5th and 7th innings. He was substituted out in a defensive change in the 8th inning. In total, Lin An-ko had 1 hit in 4 at-bats and struck out twice, leaving his post-game batting average at .208.

Both teams' offenses were concentrated in the first half of the game. The SoftBank Hawks scored 4 runs in the top of the 2nd with five hits in the inning, including a home run by Kenta Imamiya. Neither team scored after the 3rd inning, and the Lions secured the victory.

Seibu's starting pitcher, Chiichiro Sumida, threw a total of 105 pitches over 7 innings, giving up 5 hits, including one home run, with 9 strikeouts and 4 earned runs, earning the win. (Editor: Li Ming-tsung) 1150421