TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Teng Kai-wei (鄧愷威) earned his second career Major League win as the San Francisco Giants faced the Colorado Rockies on Monday, giving up two runs and striking out eight batters over five and one-third innings as the Giants won 8-2, per UDN.
The outing was redemption for Teng, who had been optioned to the minors on Aug. 21 after going 1-3 with an 8.78 ERA. Teng was recently called up to fill a roster hole created by Giants left-hander Carson Whisenhunt, who landed on the 15-day injured list with a back strain.
Teng made the most of his start, setting a personal best with eight strikeouts, many of which came in critical situations with runners on base. He tossed 60 strikes over 85 pitches and did not surrender a walk.
After a shaky start to the game with runners on base in the first and second innings, Teng went to his changeup to strike out batters. With improving command of his pitches, he was able to pitch to contact, inducing groundouts and flyouts to end innings.
His outing reminded the Giants' pitching staff that Teng is a pitcher able to go multiple innings and fill in as a starter or a middle reliever. Teng's pitch placement proved effective in striking out batters in high-leverage situations.
MLB analyst Rob Friedman (@pitchingninja) took notice of Teng's outing, sharing several videos on X, describing them as a "wicked 86 mph breaking ball" and a “filthy 85 mph sweeper.”
