Chinese Taipei break away early in win over Czechia

World No. 5 Chinese Taipei prevailed over No. 15 Czechia in a game dominated by pitchers. Chinese Taipei took an early lead and earned a 4-1 win, keeping them undefeated and on top of Group A.

Czechia ended Chinese Taipei’s first inning early with a well-executed double play. Starter Adrian Muck only used six pitches.

In the top of the second, Chinese Taipei took advantage of Muck’s wild start, presenting their whole lineup at bat and starting a rally. The bases were loaded after Shao-Yu Hsu got hit by a pitch and Chinese Taipei scored four runs on a balk, two hits by pitch and Chao-Hung Chang’s sacrifice fly to centre field to lead 4-0.

Czechia shortstop Martin Sobotka stabbed the line drive and retired the first batter in the fourth. Right after, Chinese Taipei had another scoring chance. Muck got the bases loaded with three walks, but got out of the jam himself, preventing Chinese Taipei from extending the lead.

It was Czechia’s turn to load the bases in the bottom of the fourth, but Chinese Taipei starter Yen-En Wang also solved the bases-loaded situation.

In the top of the fifth, Czechia left fielder Michal Sindelka made a great throw home to prevent Chinese Taipei from scoring.

Czechia regained their momentum in the bottom of the seventh. They loaded the bases on two walks and a hit by pitch and scored their first run on another walk, catching up at 4-1. In order to stop the comeback, Chinese Taipei turned to their third reliever Po-Chun Lin and made a defensive substitution on the catcher. Lin finished the game with a back-to-back strikeout and an out at third, 4-1.

After the win, Chinese Taipei now have a 4-0 record and stay atop Group A. On Day 6, Chinese Taipei will play against undefeated Puerto Rico at 18.30, while Czechia will face Australia at 12.00.