Taiwan last night achieved a historic victory, defeating world No. 1 Japan with an emphatic score of 4-0 to claim the prestigious title of the World Baseball Softball Confederation’s (WBSC) Premier12 for the very first time in history.
The team’s ace, Lin Yu-min (林昱珉), dominated the mound, limiting the defending champions Japan to just a single hit while keeping them scoreless for the first four innings. The momentum shifted dramatically in the fifth inning when catcher Lin Chia-cheng (林家正) launched a solo home run, igniting the Taiwanese crowd. This was quickly followed by a powerful three-run homer from Taiwanese captain Chen Chieh-hsien (陳傑憲), solidifying Taiwan’s commanding lead in this critical tournament that showcases the world’s top 12 baseball teams.
This triumphant win marks the pinnacle of Taiwan’s achievements in the realm of international baseball, as it stands as their best performance across the top three global tournaments — the Olympics, Premier12, and the World Baseball Classic.
Back home, fans in major cities such as Taipei, New Taipei City, Taichung, and Taoyuan rallied to support the Taiwanese team, gathering at city hall buildings for live screenings. Additionally, sports arenas across Yilan, Hsinchu, Taitung counties, and Tainan organized viewing events to celebrate the momentous occasion. The popular Showtime Cinemas (秀泰影城) chain even offered tickets for fans eager to witness the exhilarating match on the big screen.
Taiwan was notably the youngest team participating in the Premier12, featuring a player age average of just 24.5 years, according to WBSC statistics. This youthful roster contributed significantly to their spirited performance throughout the tournament.
Chen Chieh-hsien’s outstanding contribution was recognized as he was named the 2024 Premier12 MVP, boasting an impressive hitting percentage of 0.625 with 14 hits in 22 at bats, which included two crucial homeruns during the competitions.
Prior to Saturday’s pivotal game, Taiwan faced a US$2,000 fine from the WBSC due to a complaint stemming from their decision to alter the pitching lineup after confirming their spot in the final. Japan raised concerns with tournament organizers that Taiwanese original starter Lin was replaced by Chen Po-ching (陳柏清) following Taiwan’s qualification for the championship due to outcomes in earlier games.
Meanwhile, the bronze-medal game saw US starting pitcher Casey Lawrence deliver a stellar performance, yielding only four hits without allowing any runs, while striking out seven batters in the first six innings. The US secured a 6-1 victory over world No. 4 Venezuela, showcasing their prowess with back-to-back wins against the South American side, having edged them out 6-5 the day before to thwart their aspirations for the championship title.
However, Venezuela attempted a comeback in the eighth inning, as designated hitter Hernan Perez crossed home plate following a sacrifice fly from second baseman Alexi Amarista. This victory marked the US’s first bronze in the Premier12, complementing their previous silver medal from the inaugural tournament in 2015. Historically, during the Baseball World Cup format that concluded in 2011, the US secured four gold medals, trailing only behind Cuba, which dominated the tournament with an impressive total of 25 gold wins.
Additional reporting by CNA
How do you foresee the impact of this victory on the development of young baseball players in Taiwan?
**Interview with Baseball Analyst and Former Player, Mr. Chang Wei-lun**
**Interviewer:** Good evening, Mr. Chang. We’re celebrating a monumental victory for Taiwan as they clinched the WBSC Premier12 title, defeating Japan 4-0. What are your initial thoughts on this remarkable achievement?
**Mr. Chang:** Good evening! It’s an incredible moment for Taiwanese baseball. To defeat the world’s number one team, especially in such a commanding fashion, is truly historic. This victory not only highlights our team’s talent and determination but also our potential on the international stage.
**Interviewer:** Lin Yu-min had an outstanding performance as the ace pitcher, limiting Japan to just one hit. How crucial do you think his role was in securing this victory?
**Mr. Chang:** Lin Yu-min was exceptional! His ability to keep Japan scoreless for four innings set a solid foundation for the team. His concentration and skill under pressure cannot be overstated. A performance like this can elevate a pitcher’s career, and it certainly galvanized the team and the fans.
**Interviewer:** The momentum shifted dramatically in the fifth inning with Lin Chia-cheng’s solo home run, followed by Chen Chieh-hsien’s three-run homer. How significant were these moments for the game?
**Mr. Chang:** Those home runs were pivotal! They didn’t just add runs; they energized the entire stadium and instilled confidence in our players. It transformed the atmosphere — from being tense to euphoric. Home runs against a formidable opponent like Japan can be game-changers, and our players executed flawlessly at that crucial moment.
**Interviewer:** This victory marks the pinnacle of Taiwan’s achievements in international baseball. How do you think it will affect the future of baseball in Taiwan?
**Mr. Chang:** This win will inspire the younger generation of players and fans alike. It showcases that with hard work and talent, success is achievable, even against the toughest opponents. I believe we will see increased support for baseball programs and youth leagues across the country. It’s a moment that could propel Taiwanese baseball into a new era.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of youth, Taiwan was the youngest team in the tournament with an average age of just 24.5 years. How does this contribute to their success?
**Mr. Chang:** Having a young team is a double-edged sword. While they might lack experience in high-pressure situations, they also possess energy, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn. This youthful spirit often translates to resilience on the field. Their victory shows that age does not define skill or capability in sports.
**Interviewer:** how did the fans’ support play a role in this victory?
**Mr. Chang:** The fans were phenomenal! Their presence was felt throughout the game, whether it was in major cities or at viewing events across the country. This collective support creates a home-field advantage, and when players know their community stands behind them, it significantly boosts their morale. This victory is as much for the players as it is for the fans.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Mr. Chang, for sharing your insights on this historic win. Taiwan’s baseball future certainly looks promising!
**Mr. Chang:** Thank you! Let’s continue to rally behind our athletes and support baseball in Taiwan. Go, team Taiwan!