14/09/2023 2 Minute Read

Chinese Taipei speed makes difference against Venezuela

The game started with a two-hour delay because of inclement weather. Venezuela took a 2-1 lead into the third, then Chinese Taipei took control. Chiao Chi Lai pitched six innings for the win.

World No. 2 Chinese Taipei defeated No. 5 Venezuela to record their second win in the IX WBSC Women's Baseball World Cup Group B.

Venezuela took a 2-1 lead in the top of the third before Chinese Taipei's speed made the difference with four RBI triples. Left-hander Chiao Chi Lai went six innings for the win.

Yi Hsuan Chi reached with a one-out single and advanced on a wild pitch. Cleanup hitter Chiao Yun Huang hit a two-out single up the middle to put Chinese Taipei ahead.

Srishna Arciniega led off the bottom of the first with a single. Starter Chiao Chi Lai hit the second batter. Arciniega reached third on a flyout and scored when a pop to shallow left field by designated hitter Frandelis Garcia fell.

Venezuela got to Lai with back-to-back one-out singles by Abril Marin and Mariana Valdez in the bottom of the second. The left-hander hit Arciniega to load the bases. Laureanne Vasquez popped a bunt attempt in the home plate area and reached safely as Mariana Valdez scored from third to put Venezuela ahead.

Chinese Taipei got the lead back in the top of the third. With one out, Venezuelan starter Judelys Garcia allowed two runners on a walk, and a hit-by-pitch and centre fielder Hiaso Mei Chen tripled to the gap in left centre to put two on the board. She scored the fourth run on an infield single by Chiao Yun Huang.

In the top of the fourth, Chinese Taipei put runners at third and second against reliever Mary Rodriguez on a base hit by Yu Chuan Tu and two consecutive bunts. Shortstop Yu Ying Shieh followed with a two-RBI triple.

Shieh hit another RBI triple in the top of the fifth and scored the eighth run on Shih Yun Lee's single.

Pinch hitters helped Chinese Taipei add a pair of insurance runs in the top of the seventh. Yi Hsuan Chiu hit an RBI triple, stole second and scored the tenth and final run as Yi Hsuan Chiu singled.

Hsiao Chien Wang pitched a perfect seventh to end the game.

Chinese Taipei will face No. 9 Puerto Rico to open Day 3. Venezuela will close the day facing No. 1 Japan.