During a tense Chinese Professional Baseball League game, Rakuten Monkeys pitcher Chen Ke-Yi accidentally hit Fubon Guardians star Chang Yu-Cheng twice in the back, sparking a brief bench-clearing confrontation. According to local sports reports, the unexpected wild pitches left the young pitcher feeling extremely shaken and worried about the outcome on the field.
Back-to-Back Plunkings Spark Bench-Clearing Tension
Dugouts Erupt as Manager Gestures From the Lineup
The incident occurred during a matchup that drew intense scrutiny from both dugouts. Chen, pitching for the Rakuten Monkeys, caught Chang squarely in the back on two separate plate appearances. The back-to-back plunkings immediately raised tensions at the stadium, prompting Fubon Guardians manager/coach instruction personnel—including manager Goh Kometani—to step out of the dugout and visibly gesture the number two toward the mound to protest the repeated hit-by-pitches.
Relief and Panic on the Mound for Chen
For Chen, the immediate reaction was sheer panic. Speaking with reporters after the game, the pitcher admitted that he was terrified when the benches emptied and the situation boiled over. Having already clipped the star slugger earlier in the season, hitting him twice in a single game made him worry about the immediate consequences and the safety of the batter.
Monkeys Recover to Secure Vital Standings Victory
Despite the high-stakes drama and the emotional reaction from the Fubon bench, Chen managed to settle down and deliver a strong outing on the mound. His subsequent performance helped the Rakuten Monkeys secure a vital victory to maintain their position near the top of the standings. Coaching staff and teammates acknowledged the difficulty of pitching inside while navigating pressure situations against dangerous hitters like Chang.
Fine Margins and Elite Power Hitters
The confrontation underscores the fine margins pitchers walk when trying to work the inside of the plate against elite power hitters. Guardians supporters and team staff expressed frustration over their marquee hitter absorbing multiple impacts, while Monkeys defenders focused on executing their pitching plan despite the chaotic interruption. Both clubs return to their respective training schedules as the second-half race in the league continues to heat up.
