Deng Kaiwei faced his first start of his career and was hit by a three-run homer, pitching 3.1 innings and allowing 5 runs before leaving the game.

Having made his Major League debut as a long reliever in 2024, Deng Kaiwei today became the 6th Taiwanese player to start in the Major Leagues, making his first career start for the Giants against the New York Mets. He pitched 3.1 innings, giving up 4 hits, including a three-run homer by Pete Alonso, resulting in 5 runs allowed and suffering a loss. Although his statistics were not ideal, Deng's pitching performance was decent. Head coach Bob Melvin stated after the game that Deng would be given another opportunity to start, expected to pitch again at home against the Washington Nationals on the 9th, Beijing time.

After the game, Deng Kaiwei expressed heartfelt thoughts through a social media story, reflecting emotionally on his 18-year baseball journey, saying, "I am not the chosen one, just an ordinary person who never gave up."

Facing the powerful Mets in his debut, Deng Kaiwei appeared particularly nervous at the start, throwing a hit-by-pitch followed by a walk, putting runners on first and second base. Although he managed to strike out Juan Soto afterward, he was then hit by a three-run homer from Pete Alonso. He steadied himself afterward, allowing no runs in the 2nd and 3rd innings, until the 4th inning when two batters reached base, prompting the coaching staff to replace him.

Despite the less-than-ideal performance in his debut, Deng Kaiwei welcomed this journey with immense gratitude, stating, "This year marks the eighteenth year of my baseball journey. Being able to stand on the Major League mound again and have my first Major League start is the result of countless efforts and waiting." He acknowledged that the results were not satisfactory but believed that these shortcomings are the starting point for recognizing growth opportunities.

"I am not the chosen one, just an ordinary person who never gave up," he reflected on his journey from Taiwan to the United States, persevering through every challenge with sweat and determination, and thanked everyone who has accompanied him along the way.

Finally, Deng Kaiwei stated, "Every swing is for chasing the next baseball dream!" He will continue to strive towards the next challenge.