Rakuten Monkeys Capture Taiwan Series Title in Thrilling Finale

The Rakuten Monkeys triumphed over the CTBC Brothers in a dramatic Game 5, clinching the CPBL Taiwan Series title with a final score of 9-7 in Taichung. This victory marks the Monkeys’ eighth championship in franchise history and their first since Rakuten assumed ownership of the team in 2020.

The series concluded with a remarkable comeback by the Monkeys, who faced a four-run deficit. They managed to tie the game at seven runs, forcing extra innings. In the top of the 11th inning, veteran player Lin Hung-yu, at 39 years and 219 days old, delivered a decisive two-run homer, securing the championship for his team. Lin’s performance included a total of four hits, three singles, and a walk, earning him the title of Game Most Valuable Player (MVP).

Significantly, Lin became the oldest player in CPBL history to record four hits in a Taiwan Series game. The previous record was held by the league’s all-time home run leader, Ngayaw Ake, who achieved the feat at 37 years and 285 days. In addition to Lin’s outstanding performance, Chu Cheng-yang, the Monkeys’ closer, set a new record with four saves throughout the series.

The Monkeys finished the regular season with the second-best record in the six-team league. After losing their initial playoff game to the Uni-President 7-Eleven Lions, they rebounded by winning three consecutive games to secure their spot in the Taiwan Series. Despite dropping Game 3 against the Brothers, the Monkeys’ resilience shone through in the decisive match.

The CPBL’s playoff structure allows teams with the best records in either half of the season to secure post-season berths. The team with the higher winning percentage among the half-season champions advances directly to the Taiwan Series, while the other must compete in a playoff series with a one-win advantage. The Monkeys, having the highest overall winning percentage for the full season, entered the championship as challengers, a position they capitalized on effectively.

In recognition of his exceptional performance throughout the series, Pedro Fernandez of the Monkeys was named MVP of the Taiwan Series. Fernandez showcased his skills by limiting opposing teams to just two runs over 13 innings across two appearances, while also striking out 15 batters.

This thrilling championship victory not only highlights the Monkeys’ talent but also adds a significant chapter to their storied history in the CPBL. As they celebrate their latest achievement, the Monkeys look forward to building on this success in future seasons.