Taiwan Takes Home Second Consecutive U-12 Asian Baseball Championship
The young baseball stars of Taiwan are celebrating another victory after defeating defending champions South Korea 5-1 in the final of the U-12 Asian Baseball Championship in Matsuyama, Japan. This thrilling win marks Taiwan’s second consecutive title in the biennial competition and their eighth overall since the tournament’s inception in 2000.
The final, a six-inning affair, saw Taiwan seize an early advantage, scorching the scoreboard with three runs in the top of the first inning. A series of foul balls and wild pitches from South Korean starter Kim Min-wook proved costly, setting the stage for a dominant performance from the Taiwanese team.
After Kim was replaced by Park Sun-hong, Taiwan piled on two more runs before Park managed to shut down the inning. South Korea’s lone score came in the bottom of the fourth inning, offering a brief glimmer of hope that was quickly dashed by Taiwan’s unwavering defense.
Dominant Pitching performance
Taiwan’s starting pitcher Huang Li-yuan (黃力垣) put on a masterclass on the mound, effectively controlling the South Korean hitters. Despite a shaky start in the first inning, when South Korea nearly crossed home plate, Huang quickly found his stride. During the second and third innings, he struck out every batter who stepped up to the plate, showcasing his remarkable composure and talent.
“After that shaky start, Huang found his rhythm and really dominated from that point on,” said an observer.
A Legacy of Excellence
Taiwan’s latest triumph marks their second consecutive U-12 Asian Baseball Championship title, solidifying their position as a powerhouse in the world of youth baseball. This victory echoes their success in 2018, when they also defeated South Korea to claim the championship.
The event, which was canceled in 2020 and 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, saw a triumphant return this year. Taiwan’s success further cements their legacy in the tournament, having previously held the title for five consecutive years between 2002 and 2010. This impressive streak ultimately ended with a loss to China in 2012.
This year’s competition also saw China lose to Japan 10-0 in the semifinals, securing the top three spots for Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan going into the 2024 games.
The U-12 Asian Baseball Championship is organized every two years by the Asian branch of the World Baseball Softball Confederation.
How many U-12 Asian Baseball Championship titles has Taiwan won?
## Young Taiwanese Baseball Stars Shine Again!
**(Interviewer)** Welcome back to the show. Joining us today is baseball expert, Alex Reed.
Taiwan’s U-12 baseball team has done it again! Another victory on the international stage. Tell us about their recent win.
**(Alex Reed)** It’s truly remarkable! Taiwan just secured their second consecutive U-12 Asian Baseball Championship title after a convincing 5-1 win over South Korea in the finals. This marks their eighth win in the tournament since its inception in 2000, showcasing the incredible depth and talent in Taiwanese youth baseball. [[1](https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/taiwan-stuns-japan-to-win-premier12-tournament/)]
**(Interviewer)** It sounds like they dominated the game. Can you walk us through what happened?
**(Alex Reed)** Absolutely. The final was a six-inning affair, and Taiwan took control right from the start. They managed to score three runs in the first inning, largely due to some early pitching woes from the South Korean starter. Some wild pitches and foul balls really set the stage for Taiwan’s dominance.
**(Interviewer)** It’s fantastic to see young athletes achieving such success. What does this win mean for Taiwanese baseball?
**(Alex Reed)** This win is incredibly significant. It highlights the consistent development and strong foundation of Taiwanese baseball, especially at the youth level. This generation of young players is paving the way for a bright future for Taiwanese baseball on the international stage.
**(Interviewer)** Exciting times ahead! Thanks for sharing your insights Alex Reed!
**(Alex Reed)** My pleasure!