WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC: POOL C - CHINESE TAIPEI VS AUSTRALIA

March 5, 2026

Hao-jiu Tseng

Tokyo Dome

Team Chinese Taipei

Postgame Press Conference

Australia 3, Chinese Taipei 0

Q. Today's contest, the offense was struggling, it looked like. And also you got hit by a pitch for the clean-up spot, the third hitter was hurt, also. How do you look back at that opening game?

HAO-JIU TSENG: First of all, I would appreciate very much for the fans for cheering for us. A lot of fans flew from Chinese Taipei to Tokyo. The result was something we deserved, and I have the responsibility for all of today's loss. This is just Game 1 though, and the offense was struggling, and maybe it's because it was opening game.

So the opening game is over and now try to reset the mind and prepare for Game 2's contest and regarding Chen our third spot hitter, as of now he is just icing right now and we will have detailed information tomorrow.

Q. Regarding the pitching staff, Chen gave up a two-run home run. Do you have any reason why you put him in?

HAO-JIU TSENG: First of all our shorting pitcher, Hsu, he pitched a freight inning in the fourth inning and then this is our original plan to let him pitch to the fourth inning and this was the plan, the original plan.

Although Chen gave up a two-run shot, he prepared well as the second starting pitcher.

Q. Starting pitcher Hsu pitched 53 pitches, means he is no longer able to pitch at the Tokyo pool. The limit is 65 pitches per game, so I think you have a couple more pitches left. Is there anything that Hsu's team mentioned to you?

HAO-JIU TSENG: Regarding Hsu's pitching count, we all look at his condition, every inning single innings, we confirm how he's feeling. In the fourth inning, he's facing off the second -- we also check his velocity, and he also pitched second round, and we understand the rules.

So Hsu is no longer able to pitch at the Tokyo round, but at the same time we are having some hope for Hsu's future and his career.

Q. The previous Tokyo round, you defeated first, and tomorrow's game against Japan is a must-win situation, or you'll most likely be eliminated. If you could name your starting pitcher?

HAO-JIU TSENG: Of course, the moment we win, the possibility to go for the quarterfinal is going to be higher, and all I can say for tomorrow's concept is we will put all effort to get a win.

Tomorrow we are facing the very high-level Japanese team, so we try to do our best.

Q. You were the champion of the Premier12 and then you were defeated by the Japan team and now Japan added Ohtani to the roster. Can you mention tomorrow's probable starting pitcher?

HAO-JIU TSENG: The softer for Samurai Japan is very strong, not only the offense but they have he very solid quality pitches as well. Team Japan, I could safely say that tomorrow's game is going to be a big game, and Team Japan is probably the best team. All I can say right now is we are going to put together all effort for tomorrow's game.

Q. Today Team Australia put all three lefties and equally three lefty pitchers are pitched equally three innings. Did you analyze things or have a scouting report that Team Australia is putting a lot of lefties?

HAO-JIU TSENG: Yes, today's contest, our offense against their lefty, yes, we had an advanced scouting report but all pitchers were tough.

And the game plan for tomorrow's game, I'm not for sure who is going to pitch against us, and all I can say is we will take a good look at Team Japan's pitching for tomorrow's game.