TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwanese pitcher Sun Yi-lei (孫易磊) will make his second start for Japan's Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters (日本火腿隊) Tuesday (Sept. 23) against the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles (樂天金鷲). The 20-year-old seeks his first career victory after a month of preparation following his debut loss. Sun represents Taiwan's growing presence in Japan's professional baseball leagues.
Sun's first-team debut August 11 against the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks (福岡軟銀) ended in defeat after pitching 3.1 innings and allowing two runs. His current first-team statistics show a 0-1 record with four holds, one save, and a 3.48 ERA across 10.1 innings. The young Taiwanese pitcher has demonstrated potential despite limited opportunities at Japan's top professional level.
Sun dominated the second team level, delivering a masterful performance September 12 against Rakuten's second team with eight innings, one hit, zero runs, and seven strikeouts. The pitcher led the Fighters' second team to a 7-1 victory over Oisix Niigata Albirex BC (新瀉天鵝之皇) September 2, earning his third seasonal win. Sun's second-team statistics include 15 appearances, 12 starts, a 1.76 ERA across 66.1 innings, and a 3-1 record. ◼
