by DICK’S Sporting Goods PONY League World Series
Taoyuan County, Chinese Taipei wins the DICK’S Sporting Goods PONY League World Series in a 10-run rule rout over San Bernardino, California
Washington, Pennsylvania (Aug. 12) – Behind solid pitching by starting pitcher Lee, Cheng Chen and two big innings, in which the team batted through the order, Taoyuan County, Chinese Taipei won the DICK’S Sporting Goods PONY League World Series in thrilling fashion 12-1 over San Bernardino, California, in a five-inning, 10-run rule game. Chinese Taipei’s won its seventh championship in PONY League World Series history, tying the nation of Puerto Rico for second all-time.
In the top of the first inning with two outs, Chinese Taipei’s offense exploded for five runs thanks to its three through nine hitters all reaching base safely. San Bernardino countered with a run in the bottom of the third on a Damien Sanchez RBI single.
Chinese Taipei’s Ho, Yi Lung added a run in the top of the fourth, thanks to a solo home run, and the Asia-Pacific Zone Champions broke the game open in the top of fifth by scoring six runs, forcing San Bernardino to score two to avoid a 10-run rule loss. Lee shut the Californians down in order to claim victory 12-1.
Lee pitched a solid five innings, allowing one run on three hits, while striking out nine. Ho lead the team at the plate, going four-for-four with a home run, double and two singles. Five players from Chinese Taipei had a multi-hit game. Devyn Lopez took the loss for San Bernardino. In two-thirds innings pitched, he allowed five earned runs on five hits and a walk.
Lin, Chun En took home the Wilson Batting Championship as the tournament’s leading hitter with a .750 batting average (nine-for-12). Lee was awarded with the Easton Sports ERA Award as the tournament’s leading pitcher with a 1.75 ERA (three runs earned in 12 innings pitched).
After finishing as the finalists at last year’s PONY League World Series, Taoyuan County won the championship for the first time since 2009 and the second for the Asia-Pacific Zone in the last three years.
