*This content was translated by AI.
Wang Yencheng (25), who joined the Hanwha Eagles as an Asian quota player for just $100,000 (approximately 134 million won), has firmly established himself as the team's ace. He is now preparing to face his former teammates as opponents.
On the 9th, Wang Yencheng started against LG at Daejeon Hanwha Life Ball Park in a 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League home game, throwing 92 pitches over six innings and delivering an impressive performance with seven hits allowed, one walk, one strikeout, and one earned run.
The lineup exploded for as many as 19 runs, leading to a decisive victory for the team. Wang Yencheng secured his 11th win of the season (with five losses), lowering his ERA from 3.86 to 3.75.
Although he had consistently maintained his spot in the rotation without skipping any turns, he fell ill with pneumonia around mid-last month and was even hospitalized. After resting for 15 days, he returned to the mound on the 3rd against KT Wiz but allowed six hits, five walks, and five earned runs over 3⅓ innings.
However, today was different. Although he gave up one run in the third inning, he showcased exceptional ground ball induction skills and remarkable quick reflexes at critical moments, directly creating double plays. Despite recording only one strikeout, he cleanly achieved a quality start (six or more innings with three or fewer earned runs) by throwing just 92 pitches.
After the game, Hanwha Eagles manager Kim Kyung-moon stated, "Wang Yencheng pitched well, limiting the opposing lineup to minimal runs and making a significant contribution to our victory. I want to praise his excellent pitching."
There was a significant difference in physical condition. Wang Yencheng said, "After taking some rest, I feel like I've brought my condition to its peak." He added, "I believe my physical state is now completely fine, but I need to improve technical aspects on the mound, ball speed, and other statistical records."
It appears he still has one more starting opportunity remaining. Before the game, Hanwha manager Kim Kyung-moon said, "I understand he will pitch once more. While I haven't discussed details with the club, according to General Manager Son Hyuk, there should be another chance." Wang Yencheng responded, "I haven't been given a specific date yet, but I think I can pitch one or two more times."
Wang Yencheng is expected to serve as Taiwan's ace in the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, where he will face South Korea. With Kuo Lun-yi sidelined due to injury, Wang Yencheng's burden has grown even heavier. If he pitches again, he could take the mound against South Korea on the 21st after resting five days following a game against KT on the 15th, though maintaining perfect condition amid travel and scheduling uncertainties remains uncertain.
Today's teammates become tomorrow's opponents. Should he face South Korea, Wang Yencheng will have to confront Noh Si-hwan and Moon Hyun-bin, who share the same team. Wang Yencheng smiled, saying, "We faced each other in a practice game. I got the feeling that Moon Hyun-bin really wanted to hit my pitches."
He continued, "Since I've seen his batting style extensively from center field, I probably know how he will swing well. I plan to face him as always. I hope everyone stays healthy and plays well. If we meet again, I hope we can have a great game against each other."
His life has changed dramatically in just one year. He is now a recognized ace of Taiwan. Wang Yencheng expressed his anticipation, saying, "It's been quite a while since I last played in national team games. Since this will be a short tournament, I think the tension could reach its peak."
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*This content was translated by AI.
