Despite going into the game 1 of the 2017 CPBL Playoff Series without several of their veterans. The young Brothers team came out strong right out of the gate, with veteran 周思齊 (Chou Szu-Chi) going 4-for-5 with 2 runs and 2 RBI. Chinatrust Brothers takes G1 of the best-of-five series 9 to 6.
“As the veteran, I want to lead by example and pass on Brothers’ NEVER GIVE UP attitude to our younger players.” Said G1 MVP Chou Szu-Chi in the post game interview.
The crucial error that cost Uni-Lions the game
Top of the 2nd inning, bases loaded. With just one more out to escape the jam, RF 劉芙豪 (Liu Fu-Hao) dropped a routine flyball down the line and the bases were cleared and 3 extra runs were scored.
“The wind was strong tonight, it’s a bit unlucky for us. It’s a costly error. For tomorrow’s game, we’ll alter the lineup, 朱元勤 (Chu Yuan-Chin) will start in the right field instead of Liu Fu-Hao.” Said Uni-Lions skipper Huang after the game.
Keyman of G1 – Bryan Woodall
The key for Brothers going into postseason is their starting pitchers. If their starting pitchers is able to go over 6 innings, the chance of them winning will increase dramatically. And last night, Brothers ace Bryan Woodall did exactly that.
Woodall pitched a 6 strong innings, gave up 5 hits, 1 earned run, while walked 1 and strikeout 3 over 92 pitches. Depends on how this series progress, maybe we will see Woodall pitching again in G4 instead of G5 of the Playoff Series?
Lions lineup awake in bottom 9th, but too late
Bottom of 9th, down by 7 runs, facing Brothers closer 吳哲源 (Wu Che-Yuan). The Lions started their late rally with 蘇智傑 (Su Chih-Chieh)’s solo shot.
Followed by RBI singles from 高國慶 (Kao Kuo-Ching) and 陳傑憲 (Chen Chieh-Hsien). Lions now just 3 run behind with runners on 1st and 3rd.
#UniLions 蘇智傑 (Su Chih-Chieh) solo shot to start Lions offense in the bottom of 9th. A bit too late, Lions 6: Bros 9 #CPBL #PlayoffSeries pic.twitter.com/vgvOkiSyU5
— CPBL STATS (@GOCPBL) October 20, 2017
Brothers reliever Wang Hung-Cheng settled down
After the turbulence, Brothers hard-throwing reliever 王鴻程 (Wang Hung-Cheng) settled down and struck out pinch hitter 羅國龍 (Lou Guo-Long) and was able to register the final out by taking away 潘武雄 (Pan Wu-Hsiung) potential hit with a crucial defensive shift.
Despite Wang gave up 2 hits, 1 earned run and a walk. It’s worth noting the hard-throwing sidearm rookie was able to hit 154kph (95mph) on the gun. With most of his fastball clocking above 150kph (93mph) mark.
#CTBros rookie sidearm RHP 王鴻程 (Wang Hung-Cheng) reaches 154kph (95mph) on the gun, with his FB sitting above 150kph #CPBL #PlayoffSeries pic.twitter.com/pVvSMY0ywl
— CPBL STATS (@GOCPBL) October 20, 2017
Game 2 probable pitchers
For game 2 of the 2017 CPBL Playoff Series. Chinatrust Brothers will send out Orlando Roman, while Uni-Lions will have veteran 潘威倫 (Pan Wei-Lun) on the mound.
Facing Uni-Lions in 2017 season, Roman posted a record of 4.47 ERA while Lions batters are hitting .327 against him. Uni-Lions’ Pan Wei-Lun on the other hand, posted 4.38 ERA against Brothers while Brothers batters are hitting .317 against him.
