Dragons Name 20-Year-Old Pitcher Tseng Sheng-an Youngest Taiwan Series Game 2 Starter

Twenty‑year‑old pitcher Tseng Sheng‑an was officially named the starting pitcher for Game Two of the Taiwan Series by the Wei Chuan Dragons today, making him the youngest starting pitcher in the season. The decision not only demonstrates the team’s high confidence in his pitching ability but also highlights the Dragons’ emphasis on pitching depth in the championship series. As the highest honor in the Chinese Professional Baseball League, the Taiwan Series places extremely high demands on players’ mental and physical conditioning; being selected as a starter under such pressure is already a considerable challenge for Tseng.

Since entering the professional league, Tseng has attracted considerable attention with his steady pitching rhythm and respectable strike‑out rate. At just 20 years old, he has earned multiple “Best Rookie” nominations during the preseason and regular season this year, and performed strongly in the playoffs, becoming one of the Dragons’ indispensable pitchers in that postseason. For a young pitcher, earning a start in a key game of the Taiwan Series is undoubtedly a double affirmation of his pitching skill and mental toughness, and lays a solid foundation for his future development in international competition.

However, as he said during pre‑game practice, he has felt unprecedented tension since yesterday, even experiencing tremors in his hand during drills. This emotional fluctuation is especially pronounced early in the series, as the intensity of the championship game far exceeds that of the playoffs. Tseng said he is working to adjust his breathing and mindset, focusing as much as possible on the details of each pitch to maintain concentration during the official games. This process of self‑regulation also demonstrates his mature attitude toward his career.

In this season’s strategic plan, the Wei Chuan Dragons place particular emphasis on pitcher rotation and load management. Choosing Tseng as the starting pitcher for Game Two is both a recognition of his personal ability and a test of the team’s pitching depth. If he can perform consistently under pressure, it will greatly improve the Dragons’ chances in the series. For fans, seeing a young player remain calm under pressure further fuels confidence and anticipation for the team.

Overall, Tseng’s start is not only a significant milestone in his professional career but also symbolizes the CPBL’s cultivation of pitchers and the potential of young