Hung I-Chung's Birthday Wish Granted as Wu Nien-Ting Hits First Career Walk-Off Single
The TSG Hawks defeated the Rakuten Monkeys in a dramatic walk-off victory. Responding to the manager's birthday wish for a win, Wu Nien-Ting delivered his first-ever walk-off hit to lead the team to victory.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 14, 2026 at 23:22
- 🔍 Collected: May 14, 2026 at 23:32 (9 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 15, 2026 at 02:21 (2h 48m after Collected)
Central News Agency, Taipei, May 14 - TSG Hawks manager Hung I-Chung made a birthday wish to his players for a victory before the game, and slugger Wu Nien-Ting made it happen in dramatic fashion with his first career walk-off hit in the CPBL, leading the team to a 3-2 victory over the Rakuten Monkeys.
The Hawks took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the 3rd inning with one out and runners on first and second, when Steven Moya hit a timely single to score the first run, followed by a sacrifice fly from Wang Po-Jung. Starting pitcher Chiang Cheng-Yen also delivered a strong performance, pitching 6.1 scoreless innings.
However, in the top of the 8th, Hawks reliever Chen Po-Ching, who had not given up a run in his previous 14 appearances this season, was targeted. With two outs, he gave up a single to Lin Chih-Ping, followed by Lin Hung-Yu's first home run of the season, a 2-run shot that instantly tied the game.
In the bottom of the 9th against Monkeys closer Chu Cheng-Yang, the Hawks loaded the bases with two outs thanks to a walk by Wang Po-Hsuan, a single by Chen Wen-Chieh, and a hit-by-pitch for Tseng Tzu-Yu. Wu Nien-Ting then swept the ball to left field, securing the Hawks' 9th walk-off win in franchise history.
Wu Nien-Ting was named the game's MVP and stated in an on-field interview that during the team's birthday celebration for Manager Hung, the manager had revealed that 'a win is better than any gift.' Hung I-Chung also said, 'Winning this way is very exciting and thrilling. I thank Nien-Ting for securing the victory today, and I thank all the players for fighting until the end.'
During a break between innings, the stadium played 'Happy Birthday' to celebrate, but Hung I-Chung laughingly said he didn't hear it, 'because I was completely focused on the game. In a low-scoring game like today, even when sitting there, you're always thinking about what to do next.' After the game, the fans in the stadium sang 'Happy Birthday' for Hung I-Chung, who revealed his birthday wish: 'It's definitely to win this year's championship.' (Editor: Li Hsi-Chang) 1150514
The Hawks took a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the 3rd inning with one out and runners on first and second, when Steven Moya hit a timely single to score the first run, followed by a sacrifice fly from Wang Po-Jung. Starting pitcher Chiang Cheng-Yen also delivered a strong performance, pitching 6.1 scoreless innings.
However, in the top of the 8th, Hawks reliever Chen Po-Ching, who had not given up a run in his previous 14 appearances this season, was targeted. With two outs, he gave up a single to Lin Chih-Ping, followed by Lin Hung-Yu's first home run of the season, a 2-run shot that instantly tied the game.
In the bottom of the 9th against Monkeys closer Chu Cheng-Yang, the Hawks loaded the bases with two outs thanks to a walk by Wang Po-Hsuan, a single by Chen Wen-Chieh, and a hit-by-pitch for Tseng Tzu-Yu. Wu Nien-Ting then swept the ball to left field, securing the Hawks' 9th walk-off win in franchise history.
Wu Nien-Ting was named the game's MVP and stated in an on-field interview that during the team's birthday celebration for Manager Hung, the manager had revealed that 'a win is better than any gift.' Hung I-Chung also said, 'Winning this way is very exciting and thrilling. I thank Nien-Ting for securing the victory today, and I thank all the players for fighting until the end.'
During a break between innings, the stadium played 'Happy Birthday' to celebrate, but Hung I-Chung laughingly said he didn't hear it, 'because I was completely focused on the game. In a low-scoring game like today, even when sitting there, you're always thinking about what to do next.' After the game, the fans in the stadium sang 'Happy Birthday' for Hung I-Chung, who revealed his birthday wish: 'It's definitely to win this year's championship.' (Editor: Li Hsi-Chang) 1150514