The CTBC Brothers have finally snapped a grueling six-game losing streak, securing a pivotal 4-1 victory on March 31, 2026. The win prevents the team from falling into a historic season-opening slump and provides a much-needed spark for a squad that had been struggling at the bottom of the standings.
Tough Love and Tactical Discipline
Despite the victory, manager Keiichi Hirano used the game as a teaching moment for star slugger Tseng Sung-en. After Tseng struggled in his first three plate appearances—recording a groundout, a strikeout and a double play—Hirano made a bold decision not to use a pinch-hitter in the bottom of the 8th inning with runners on first and second.
Hirano’s decision was rooted in a desire for Tseng to develop mental fortitude. “If you wish to turn into more confident, you must put in the effort,” Hirano stated. The gamble paid off when Tseng drew a walk to load the bases, helping the Brothers add an insurance run to seal the 4-1 win.
Following the game, Hirano was candid about Tseng’s approach, noting that the batter swung at a poor pitch despite having a hitter-friendly two-strike count. Hirano emphasized that baseball is a psychological battle of strategy, telling Tseng that he must learn the “technique of choosing a hittable ball to attack” rather than forcing swings on poor pitches.
Turning the Tide
The victory was a collective effort, fueled by a “one boat” mentality championed by captain Wang Wei-chen to motivate the roster. The offense found its rhythm, including a standout performance by Tseng Sung-en, who eventually broke out of his slump with a four-hit game after being labeled a “future axis” of the lineup by the team’s hitting coach.
While the team has faced significant early-season adversity, including a period of three consecutive losses and a slide to the bottom of the rankings, the organization remains confident in its ability to compete for the championship. Manager Hirano too highlighted Chen Chun-hsiu as a “model” of consistency for the rest of the squad to follow.
This win serves as a critical turning point for the Brothers as they look to stabilize their performance and climb back up the league standings.
