Chang Yu-hao's Go-Ahead Hit, Stellar Defense Earns MVP; Guardians Beat Lions

(Central News Agency reporter Xie Jingwen, Taipei, 5th) CPBL Fubon Guardians' Chang Yu-hao excelled on both offense and defense today, recording two hits and one RBI. He got his first career hit in the 6th inning and a go-ahead RBI single in the 7th, also notching his first career RBI. He led the team to a 6-2 victory over the Uni-President 7-ELEVEn Lions. Manager Gotō Mitsutaka praised him, saying, "He did his job very well."

The Guardians faced the Lions at the Taipei Dome today. The Lions scored first in the bottom of the 3rd inning with one out, thanks to a triple by Zhang Xiang and an RBI single by Chen Zhong-ting. They added another run in the 6th inning after a walk to Chiu Chih-cheng, a sacrifice bunt, and an RBI single by Chen Yung-chi.

The Guardians' lineup was held in check by Lions starter Brock Dykxhoorn for the first six innings but broke through in the top of the 7th. After a double by Wang Nien-hao and a walk to Fan Guo-chen, Dykxhoorn was pulled. The Lions' bullpen couldn't stop the bleeding, as the Guardians forced in a run with consecutive walks and tied the game on a groundout. Chang Yu-hao then delivered the go-ahead single.

The Guardians kept the rally going. Shen Hao-wei drew a walk, and Lin Tse-pin cleared the bases with a triple, adding three more runs. The Guardians sent 12 batters to the plate in the inning, scoring six runs to put the game away.

Chang Yu-hao finished with two hits and one RBI, which was the game-winning RBI. He achieved his first career hit, first RBI, and first run scored. On defense, he threw out two base stealers. This was his first time being named the game's Most Valuable Player (MVP).

Guardians starter Shawn Morimando threw 96 pitches over 6 innings, allowing 5 hits, striking out 4, walking 3, and giving up 2 earned runs to earn his 4th win of the season.

Manager Gotō said of Chang, "He did his job very well today. He led the pitchers effectively. There were some small issues in the middle, but in the end, he helped the pitchers get the win. Offensively, he also got the go-ahead hit."

Regarding his caught stealing, Gotō added, "He has always had a good arm, but today he threw with more intensity than in practice. It was impressive."

Lions veteran Chen Yung-chi, 42, who is in his final season, started the game and recorded two hits and one RBI. In the 4th inning, he recorded his first stolen base of the season and the 120th stolen base of his CPBL career. (Editor: Chen Renhua) 1150605