Chinese Taipei made quick work of the Dominican Republic, cruising to 16-1 victory that took just three-and-half innings in both teams' opening game of the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup Super Round in Tainan, Taiwan.
The Dominicans shocked over 2,000 fans at the Asia Pacific International Stadium when lead-off hitter Carlos Nieves homered on the third offering by starter Pin Han Gao.
The Dominican Republic stranded a pair of runners in the top of the first. Chinese Taipei starter Pin Han Gao wouldn't give them another chance to score.
The defending World Champions didn't waste time and tied the game with their lead-off hitter. Right fielder Sheng Zhi Wu singled and scored on a base hit by center fielder Rui Xin Chen.
Dominican starter Marlon Polanco left because of an injury with one out and runners at the corner. Catcher Po Sheng Chen got to reliever Enmanuel Castro with a base hit up the middle to make it 3-1.
Chinese Taipei broke the score open in the second. Shu Wei Yen and Sheng Zhi Wu hit back to back singles. Carlos Nieves relieved Castro and threw the ball over the head of first baseman Joshua Cano, trying to field a sacrifice bunt by Po Yuan Chuan.
Chinese Taipei added five runs in the bottom of the third to widen the gap to a 15-run difference.
Sheng Zhi Wu went 3-for-3, Rui Xin Chen had two hits, including a home run. Pitchers Yu En Chen and Yu Hsiang Yeh registered the four final outs.
Chinese Taipei (2-1) will face the United States (3-0) on Friday, 5 August, while the Dominican Republic (1-2) and will play against Venezuela (2-1) on Friday.
