TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters (北海道火腿鬥士隊) pitcher Gu Lin Ruei-yang (古林睿煬) confirmed receiving an invitation to join Taiwan's national baseball team, Chinese Taipei, for the World Baseball Classic, Chunichi Sports reported Tuesday (Dec. 23). The Fighters expressed support for Gu's participation in the international tournament. Gu returned to Taiwan after the baseball season for a Nike promotional event.
Gu transitioned to Nippon Professional Baseball from Taiwan's Chinese Professional Baseball League last year, making his first top-tier appearance April 23 and pitching 5.2 innings. He achieved his first career win May 1 against the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks (福岡軟銀鷹), pitching seven innings and allowing two runs. Gu set a record May 11 by throwing a 98-pitch shutout against the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles (樂天金鷲).
Gu cautiously confirmed receiving the World Baseball Classic invitation, humorously noting he preferred not to reveal details in case of uncertainty. Fighters pitcher Sun Yi-Lei (孫易磊), 20, completed his first top-tier season, appearing in nine games with a 0-2 record, one save, and an earned run average of 5.11. The Fighters pledged support should Sun be selected for Taiwan's national team. ◼