Wei Hung-Liang Adjusts Mentality, Unlocks Curveball, and Secures First Career Win After Returning to First Team

(CNA, Taipei, May 19, by reporter Hsieh Ching-wen) TSG Hawks pitcher Wei Hung-Liang, who had an underwhelming start to the CPBL season, secured his first career major league win as a reliever after returning to the first team on the 17th following a stint in the minor leagues for adjustments. Wei said he worked on adjusting his mentality to calm down and brought back his previously "sealed" curveball. Wei, the Hawks' first-round draft pick last year, immediately played on the first team after turning pro. In 14 relief appearances, he pitched 12.1 innings, gave up 3 earned runs, recorded 8 holds, and had an ERA of 2.19, showing good performance. However, his performance at the start of this year was not as expected, with an ERA of 13.50 in his first 5 appearances, leading to his demotion to the minor leagues on April 11. Wei adjusted in the minors and returned to the first team on May 17, about 4 kg lighter and with a leaner physique. In his first appearance back, he pitched 1.2 innings in relief against the Fubon Guardians, giving up no hits, striking out 2, and allowing no runs, with a top speed of 150 km/h, securing his first Chinese Professional Baseball League major league career win. Wei told CNA that his instability at the beginning of the season was largely related to his mentality, being too impatient. In the minors, he first tried to calm down and change his mindset. Guided by experienced senior players, he tried to adjust his pitch sequencing to make it less monotonous. On the technical side, Wei said he felt his breaking balls were breaking a bit too early at the start of the season, making them easier for batters to see and hit. He made slight adjustments to his grip on the breaking balls, improved the average and top speed of his fastball, and added the previously "sealed" curveball due to injury back into his arsenal to enrich his pitch selection. (Editor: Li Ming-tsung) 1150519