However, Taiwan surprised the hosts with an impressive display, with two sluggers from CPBL champions the Lamigo Monkeys getting big home runs. With runners on two bases, outfielder Lan Yin-lun tagged Iwasada for an opposite-field homer to give Taiwan a 5-0 lead. In the eighth inning, first baseman Chen Chun-hsiu, the Taiwan Series Most Valuable Player, smashed a solo homer off Japan relief pitcher Yuhei Takanashi to make it 6-0. Three batters later and with the bases loaded, Seiji Uebayashi knocked in another run on botched fielding by Taiwan pitcher Chen Yun-wen and Japan added another run on a walk to make it 6-3. Still facing danger with two runners on base — one hit could tie the game — Taiwan closer Cheng Kai-wen struck out Kosuke Tanaka to end the game and preserve the narrow margin of victory for Taiwan.

Source: Taipei Times November 07, 2018 15:56 UTC