Buchanan breaks Guardians' prolonged seven-game losing sequence
In a thrilling turn of events, David Buchanan, an American player for the Fubon Guardians, secured his first complete-game win in the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) at the Taipei Dome on Sunday. The game against the CTBC Brothers was a closely contested match that ended with a score of 1-0, marking the end of a seven-game losing streak for the Guardians.
The game, which attracted 31,588 spectators, was the second-highest audience figure in the Guardians' club history. The home game was a popular contest in northern Taiwan, particularly due to the rivalry between the Guardians and the Brothers.
The only run of the game was scored by the Guardians in the opening frame, with an RBI single by Yu Chang. Buchanan's performance throughout the game was impressive, as he pitched through all nine innings, using 117 pitches, and allowed only three hits. He also recorded five strikeouts and issued two walks during the game.
The outcome of the game was uncertain until the final inning, with the Guardians leading by one run and the Brothers threatening in the ninth frame. However, Buchanan demonstrated his skills in the crucial moment, striking out Tseng Sung-en on a fastball to secure the win for the Guardians.
Buchanan's win in the CPBL was his first in eight appearances. While there is no public record or widely published statistic of him playing in the CPBL before this game, he is primarily known for pitching in MLB-affiliated minor leagues, Japan’s NPB, and South Korea’s KBO.
Following the game, Buchanan expressed his gratitude for his team's hard work, stating that he aimed to give them a chance to win and keep the game close. The victory was not their first in an unspecified period prior to the game, but it was their first since securing a complete-game win.
The game against the Brothers lasted two hours and nine minutes, making it the shortest game of the season so far. Chen Chih-chu, a photographer for the Taipei Times, captured the exciting moments of the game.
With this impressive win, Buchanan also received the Most Valuable Player award for the first time in his career. The Guardians' victory over the Brothers marks a significant milestone in Buchanan's career in the CPBL, and fans are eagerly waiting to see his future performances.
