TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwanese pitcher Teng Kai-wei (鄧愷威) delivered a strong relief performance for the Houston Astros on Wednesday, continuing his impressive start to the Major League Baseball season.

Teng worked one and one-third scoreless innings against the Colorado Rockies, entering in a bases-loaded situation in the bottom of the sixth inning. He struck out Rockies batter Brenton Doyle looking to escape the jam and prevent any runs, per CNA.

In the seventh inning, Teng retired all three batters he faced on just 13 pitches, inducing two groundouts and a lineout. Despite his effort, the Astros fell 9-1 for their fourth straight loss.

Teng threw 18 pitches, 12 for strikes, recording one strikeout and allowing no runs. His fastball reached 96.3 mph. Following the outing, Teng’s earned run average improved to 2.35, while his WHIP stood at 0.78.

It was Teng’s fifth appearance of the season. His most notable outing came on March 29 against the Los Angeles Angels, when he entered in the fifth inning with Houston trailing 5-0. He pitched two and one-third scoreless innings with two strikeouts, helping keep the game within reach as the Astros mounted an 11-9 comeback victory. Teng was credited with the win.

Currently the only Taiwanese player on an MLB opening-day roster, Teng is also the first Taiwanese pitcher in seven years to reach the major leagues. He was acquired by Houston in a January trade with the San Francisco Giants.

Teng spent most of his minor league career as a starting pitcher, developing in the farm systems of the Minnesota Twins and Giants before transitioning to a bullpen role. Approximately 20 Taiwanese players are currently competing in the MLB’s minor league system.