TAICHUNG CITY, TAIWAN – Chinese Taipei scored two unearned runs in the third inning and that is all they needed Tuesday in a 2-1 win over the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team at Taichung City Stadium. Team USA snapped a 10-game winning streak against Chinese Taipei.
Max Meyer (Minnesota) and Chris McMahon (Miami) combined to not give up an earned run for Team USA. Meyer started and allowed two runs on six hits while striking out four in the first four innings, before McMahon worked four scoreless innings and allowed just two hits.
Chinese Taipei also had a good night on the mound with Sheng-Feng Wu (5.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R), Shuo-Cheng Wei (3.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R) and Chien-Lung Huang (1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R) combining to limit Team USA to one run. Wu earned the win and Huang picked up the save.
With runners on the corners and one out in the third, Team USA conceded a run on a fielder’s choice, before Chun-Kaai Liao doubled down the right field line to score Chinese Taipei’s second run. Team USA cut that 2-0 lead in half when Colton Cowser (Sam Houston State) scored from second base on an infield single from Justin Foscue (Mississippi State).
Team USA was 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position and 3-for-16 with runners on.
The series continues Wednesday at Taichung City Stadium.
Key Moments
• Chinese Taipei scored two unearned runs in the third inning to open up a 2-0 lead.
• Team USA cut the lead in half in the sixth when Colton Cowser (Sam Houston State) scored from second base on an infield single from Justin Foscue (Mississippi State).
• Nick Loftin (Baylor) stole second and advanced to third on an over-throw in the eighth inning, but a strikeout ended the inning with the potential tying run 90 feet away.
Notable Information
• Team USA snapped a 10-game winning streak against Chinese Taipei.
• The last 14 games between the Collegiate National Team and Chinese Taipei have all been decided by three runs or fewer.
• Team USA leads the USA vs. Chinese Taipei International Friendship Series, 14-0-4.
• Team USA is 78-13-2 all-time in the USA vs. Chinese Taipei International Friendship Series.
• Team USA and Chinese Taipei have tied all three series in Taiwan (2005, 2010, 2016).
• This year’s games are the first in the series at Taichung City Stadium in Taichung, Taiwan.
On Deck
• July 10 vs. Chinese Taipei (6:30 a.m. ET; Taichung City Stadium)
• July 11 doubleheader vs. Chinese Taipei (2 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. ET; Taichung City Stadium)
• July 12 vs. Chinese Taipei (2 a.m. ET; Taichung City Stadium)
• Next week: 43rd USA vs Japan Collegiate All-Star Series
