TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Tseng Hao-chu (曾豪駒), the head coach of the Chinese Taipei team, announced on Wednesday (March 4) that Hsu Jo-hsi (徐若熙) will start the first game of the World Baseball Classic (WBC) against Australia. Tseng emphasized that Hsu is the team's best-prepared pitcher, capable of controlling the pace of the game.
The WBC will officially commence on Thursday (March 5) at Tokyo Dome, with the Chinese Taipei team gearing up for their crucial first match. Tseng believes that the first game is the decisive battle and underscores its importance for team morale. He hopes the players will enjoy the process and perform at their best.
Hsu, speaking about his readiness, said he has been fine-tuning his form during warm-up games and is eager to deliver his best performance. "Yesterday, I threw effortlessly, and the ball felt different. The fastball felt good, and my body feels great," he said, expressing confidence in his condition.
Acknowledging the game's significance, Hsu stated that it is important not just to him but to the entire team. He plans to keep a relaxed mindset to avoid feeling constrained during the match. Hsu aims to bring his usual routine and best skills to the field, focusing on executing his game plan without overthinking.