Hsu Jo-hsi to Start Against Seibu Lions on the 8th, Expected to Face Lin An-ko in First NPB Matchup

Hsu Jo-hsi completed his career debut in the first-team of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) on the 1st, starting against the Rakuten Golden Eagles on the road. He threw a total of 86 pitches over 6 innings, allowing 3 hits, striking out 6, and issuing 2 walks. The team won 6 to 1, and Hsu earned the winning pitcher credit.

Hsu Jo-hsi securing his first career win in his first NPB start marks the first time in 11 years a Taiwanese pitcher has won their debut game, since Kuo Chun-lin did so for the Saitama Seibu Lions in 2015.

The SoftBank Hawks start a 3-game series against the Saitama Seibu Lions at their home stadium, the Fukuoka Dome, today. Hsu Jo-hsi is scheduled to be the starting pitcher for tomorrow's game. The Seibu Lions' roster features Taiwanese fielder Lin An-ko, who also transferred to NPB this year. Lin has maintained a hot bat, recording hits in 8 consecutive games since the season opener.

Hsu Jo-hsi previously mentioned at his joining press conference that besides wanting to face Chusei Mannami of the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, he also wanted to face Lin An-ko. In the past when they faced off in the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL), Hsu gave up 2 home runs to Lin. He hopes to use the NPB stage to face him again and prove his growth. (Editor: Wu Su-jou) 1150407