An 11-hit performance by the Chinese Taipei lineup propelled the Asian team to their first win of the tournament, an 11-1, five-inning victory over hosts Ireland. Chia-Wen Shen hit a solo homer in the second inning while Chia-Yi Chen collected three RBIs in the game.
Hsia-Ai Ke got the ball for Chinese Taipei, and the young pitcher had a quality outing, tossing the five innings while giving up three hits and one run, with five strikeouts. It’s Ke’s first win of the tournament.
The Asian team put together a five-run rally in the second inning to secure the game, with multiple-hits evening by Yi-Ting Yang, Chia-Yi Chen and Chia-Wen Shen.
For Ireland, Jamison Brockenbrough produced the only run of the game in the bottom of the first, with a double to center field.
Ireland third base Nicole Franklin spoke to the WBSC after the game:
Disappointing day (two defeats): "It's disappointing but we still have a lot of games to play. We have to get back up, get our heads back in it and get the energy up. We're going to go back, get some dinner and rest, and get ready for tomorrow.
Bouncing back tomorrow: "We fought hard. These are all good teams, this is the World Cup. We have to expect good competition and just keep fighting."
Atmosphere tonight/Balbriggan: "The atmosphere was awesome. All of the Ireland fans were great. Everyone is awesome and super welcoming. It's really cool to have people who haven't seen it before to come out and see the sport."
