Germany got its 2021 WBSC U23 World Cup campaign off to a disappointing start on Thursday, losing 7-0 (box score) to Chinese Taipei in Group A play in Ciudad Obregon, Mexico.
The German offense was stymied by Taipei starter Zhong-Ao Zhuang-Chen, who scattered six hits, struck out nine batters and walked none in five innings of work.
All told, Germany managed seven hits in the seven-inning contest, but the hits were the work of just three batters, with the rest of the lineup going 0-for-18, with two walks. Lead-off hitter Alexander Schmidt went 2-for-4, Marco Cardoso walked and got two hits in his two other plate appearances, and David Dinski, batting ninth, went 3-for-3, his third-inning double Germany’s lone extra-base hit of the contest.
In contrast, Taipei benefited from a balanced offensive showing, with six batters contributing at least one hit and five of them recording an RBI. Chen Chiu, who went hitless, reached base three times thanks to three walks.
In total, Germany’s pitching staff allowed seven free passes and struck out none.
Group A also includes Mexico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and fellow European qualifiers the Czech Republic.
Germany is scheduled to take on the Dominican Republic on Day Two.
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For European readers eager to watch the live action from Mexico, tune into ESPN Player, which will be streaming all of the WBSC U23 World Cup action. Sign up using the link https://bit.ly/ESPNMisterbaseball. New subscriptions include a 7-day free trial.
