TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's team will face the U.S. in the WBSC Premier 12 second round on Friday (Nov. 22), with left-handed pitcher Chen Po-ching (陳柏清) taking the mound. The matchup follows Taiwan's 0-2 loss to Venezuela on Thursday, which prompted Head Coach Tseng Hao-chu (曾豪駒) to express faith in his players and plan strategies based on scouting reports.
Chen Po-ching delivered a steady performance on Nov. 16 against Japan, pitching 3.1 innings with 58 pitches, allowing two hits, three walks, and one strikeout while conceding three runs, two of which were earned. Meanwhile, after Japan's 1-9 defeat on Thursday, the U.S. team will start right-hander Zac Grotz, who played for the Seattle Mariners in 2019 and 2020.
Captain Chen Chieh-hsien (陳傑憲) has urged the team to regroup and build momentum, aiming for a victory on Friday. Player Chang I (張奕) acknowledged the recent setback but emphasized the importance of enjoying the upcoming game against the U.S. and resting. As Taiwan's team prepares for this crucial match, fans and analysts will watch closely to see if the new strategies and renewed team spirit can lead to a triumphant outcome.