(Central News Agency, reporter Xie Jingwen, New Taipei, 12th) In the Yu Shan Cup high school baseball tournament, the New Taipei City team defeated the Hsinchu City team 9-0 on the 12th, a game called after 5 innings due to rain, powered by Zhang Yi'an's 2 hits and 3 RBIs. Zhang Yi'an is pursuing an overseas opportunity and will skip the draft. He admitted feeling anxious upon hearing that his peers from the U18 national team have secured overseas contracts, but believes that good performances will naturally attract scouts.

In the 115th edition of the Yu Shan Cup, New Taipei City faced Hsinchu City. In the bottom of the 2nd inning, New Taipei's Pasula Takislinian led off with a single. With one out, Deng Yuxiang hit a triple to bring in the first run, and a squeeze play scored the second run.

In the bottom of the 4th, with the bases loaded, Zhang Yi'an hit a double, driving in 2 runs to extend the lead. He later scored on a hit-by-pitch and a groundout. In the bottom of the 5th, a walk and a single by Gao Qiushenghong added a run. Hu Chenrui hit an RBI double, followed by another RBI double from Zhang Yi'an for the team's 8th run. Huang Shiyao then singled to drive in the 9th run.

The game was suspended due to rain with one out in the top of the 6th. As the rain showed no sign of letting up, the game was called, awarding the win to New Taipei City based on the score after 5 innings. Starting pitcher Yang Yaocheng threw 3 scoreless innings, allowing 2 hits and striking out 5 to earn the win.

Zhang Yi'an had two hits on the day, both doubles, driving in 3 runs. A two-way player (pitcher and hitter), Zhang stated that he decided not to enter this year's CPBL draft after the high school wooden bat league earlier this year, choosing instead to pursue an overseas opportunity. If no contract materializes, he plans to first gain experience with an adult baseball team (Cheng Bang team).

Zhang's current maximum pitching velocity is approximately 149 km/h. His hitting power has also increased; he hit 5 home runs in this year's wooden bat league and another 5 in the Wang Zhenzhi Cup. He said he has been working on improving both his pitching and hitting during this period.

Zhang was selected for the Taiwan U18 World Cup team last year. His teammate from Daxi High School, Lin Junxi, has confirmed a contract with the MLB's Pittsburgh Pirates, and it is also reported that Lai Qianfan may land with the New York Yankees, pending official announcements.

Zhang admitted that hearing the good news from his national teammates one after another makes him anxious and eager to finalize his own plans. However, he emphasized that his current focus is on finishing the tournament with strong performances, which will naturally catch the eyes of scouts. (Editor: Chen Renhua) 1150612

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  • Source: CNA (Central News Agency)
  • Category: Event