Chinese Taipei shut out China 4-0 in the Asian Baseball Championship, aiming to challenge Japan for the title tomorrow.

In the Asian Baseball Championship’s cross-strait clash today, Chinese Taipei’s right-handed pitcher Lu Mengyang started and pitched 7 innings, conceding only 3 hits and no runs to China. At the plate, Chinese Taipei took the lead in the bottom of the 2nd inning with a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch, then extended their lead in the 5th inning as Gao Yuwei delivered a two-RBI Texas League single, adding 3 runs total and securing a 4-0 shutout of China.

After this victory, Chinese Taipei’s record in the super round stands at 2 wins and 1 loss. Thanks to their 10-run win over South Korea in the preliminary round, they are likely to advance to the championship game on the 28th regardless of the outcome of the Japan-Korea match later tonight. Their expected opponent is Japan, unless South Korea manages a double-digit win in the evening game.

Facing China’s starting pitcher Liu Guoqing, Chinese Taipei launched their first offensive attack in the bottom of the 2nd inning. With one out, Yang Zhenyu hit a double, followed by Li Yiwei being hit by a pitch, and Lin Yuli’s single between shortstop and third base loaded the bases. Then, Cai Weitai was hit by another pitch, bringing in the first run. Unfortunately, the subsequent right-field fly ball by Cai Zhiyu fell short of a sacrifice fly, and Chen Xiaoyun’s deep right-field fly out ended the inning, leaving bases loaded and runners stranded.

In the top of the 3rd inning, China brought in left-hander Mi Jiahong. In the bottom of the 4th, Chinese Taipei had runners on first and second with no outs but failed to score due to an unsuccessful bunt attempt. Fortunately, in the 5th inning, Pan Junyu drew a walk, Chen Minci hit a single to left field and advanced to second and third on aggressive base running. Then Gao Yuwei hit a Texas League single to center field that the outfielder couldn’t catch, driving in two runs. Lin Yuli followed with a sacrifice fly, adding another run and extending Taipei’s lead to 4-0.

In this game, Chinese Taipei’s starting pitcher was the Chinatrust Brothers’ right-hander Lu Mengyang. Although he faced runners in scoring position in the 2nd, 4th, and 5th innings, he managed to escape unscathed; in the 6th and 7th innings, he retired the side in order. Lu Mengyang completed 7 innings with just 71 pitches, striking out 5, issuing no walks, allowing 3 hits, and no runs. Yang Jie’en and Wang Zhenghao pitched the 8th and 9th innings in relief, successfully preserving the victory.