It had been widely expected that China would set up their third and most important meeting against Japan, and such predictions looked valid when Zhang Ai slugged a home run, one of four runs racked up in the first innings.
Chinese Taipei responded immediately when Lai Meng Ting hit a home run following hits from Hsu Hsiu Ling and Huang Hui Wen.
That helped reduce the deficit but China looked to have regained control with three more runs in the third innings, including a second homer from Ai, to extend their lead to 7-3. Yet Chinese Taipei hit back again, levelling the scores with four runs off four hits at the top of the fourth, making it the highest scoring match of the competition.
The game was up for grabs and it was Chinese Taipei who took the initiative, with Lai scoring her third hit and third run to help the underdogs move three runs ahead in bottom of the sixth.
Pitcher Wu Chia Yen then held her nerve to close out the seventh innings and guarantee Chinese Taipei a silver medal at worst.
15th Asian Games, Doha 2006
Posted December 14th, 2006 by COBA
