MiLB: Lin Wei-En Returns with Strong 4.1-Inning Outing in AA, Ko Ching-Hsien Hits Grand Slam in A-Ball

TAIPEI, May 21 (CNA) -- Taiwanese pitcher Lin Wei-En of the Oakland Athletics organization returned to the mound in Double-A on Tuesday after being sidelined with physical fatigue, pitching 4.1 innings and giving up just one run. Elsewhere, Ko Ching-Hsien of the Dodgers' Single-A affiliate hit a grand slam in the first game of a doubleheader. Lin, who plays for the Athletics' Double-A team, had his start on the 14th (Taiwan time) abruptly canceled after feeling physical fatigue and hip discomfort during his pre-game warm-up. As a precaution, the team placed him on the 7-day injured list, and he returned to start today after the period ended. Facing the Houston Astros' Double-A team, Lin issued a walk in the first inning but induced a pickoff to face the minimum. In the bottom of the second, he gave up a run after allowing two hits with two outs. After two strikeouts in the third, he walked a batter, but his catcher threw out a would-be base stealer. He then retired the side in order in the fourth. He was pulled after recording a strikeout in the bottom of the fifth. In total, Lin threw 71 pitches, 41 for strikes, over 4.1 innings, allowing two hits and one run while striking out four and walking two. His ERA now stands at 1.88. He received a no-decision as his team tied the game in the top of the fifth, and they ultimately lost 1-2. In the first game of a doubleheader against a Seattle Mariners affiliate, Ko Ching-Hsien started for the Los Angeles Dodgers' team as the second batter and designated hitter. He went 3-for-4, including a grand slam in the top of the second for his eighth homer of the season, and singles in the fourth and sixth innings. However, his team lost 8-12. In the second game of the doubleheader, Ko batted fourth and played right field. In his first three at-bats, he struck out, walked, and grounded out. In the top of the seventh, he drew a walk to extend a rally that saw his team score four runs to tie the game. The team went on to win 7-6 in the 8th inning (extra innings). Ko finished the game 0-for-2 with two walks and one strikeout, bringing his batting average to .266. (By Su Shih-she and editor Guan Zhong-wei)