Rakuten Monkeys (16-7) at Fubon Guardians (11-13)
Wednesday, May 27, 6:35 AM EDT
Projected Starters
LHP Justin Nicolino (1-1, 6.48 ERA) vs RHP Mike Loree (1-0, 2.57 ERA)
Game Preview
A constant stream of rainouts has allowed these teams to play just a single game in the last nine days, and rain appears to be threatening this one as well. If the game does go forward, it will feature a pair of Americans on the mound. Lefty Justin Nicolino will take the hill for the visiting Monkeys. He's had one very good start and two very poor ones this season, giving him a 6.38 ERA overall. The Guardians will turn to righty Mike Loree. His season debut was delayed by a collarbone injury, but he held the Monkeys to just two runs in seven innings in his only start this season. He has a long track record of success at the CPBL level, recording a career 3.19 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP in his eight seasons in the league.
Monkeys' Last Lineup
CF Chen Chen-Wei
SS Lin Chi-Ping
RF Lan Yin-Lun
1B Chen Chun-Hsiu
LF Chu Yu-Hsien
2B Lin Li
DH Kuo Yen-Wen
C Liao Chien-Fu
3B Liang Chia-Jung
Guardians' Last Lineup
DH Hu Chin-Lung
SS Li Tsung-Hsien
RF Kao Kuo-Lin
1B Lin Yi-Chuan
LF Kao Kuo-Hui
3B Fan Kuo-Chen
CF Shen Hao-Wei
2B Wang Cheng-Tang
C Lin Yu-Ying
Top Picks
Mike Loree, Guardians: It's almost never smart to start a pitcher against the Monkeys, but Loree is the rare
Rakuten Monkeys (16-7) at Fubon Guardians (11-13)
Wednesday, May 27, 6:35 AM EDT
Projected Starters
LHP Justin Nicolino (1-1, 6.48 ERA) vs RHP Mike Loree (1-0, 2.57 ERA)
Game Preview
A constant stream of rainouts has allowed these teams to play just a single game in the last nine days, and rain appears to be threatening this one as well. If the game does go forward, it will feature a pair of Americans on the mound. Lefty Justin Nicolino will take the hill for the visiting Monkeys. He's had one very good start and two very poor ones this season, giving him a 6.38 ERA overall. The Guardians will turn to righty Mike Loree. His season debut was delayed by a collarbone injury, but he held the Monkeys to just two runs in seven innings in his only start this season. He has a long track record of success at the CPBL level, recording a career 3.19 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP in his eight seasons in the league.
Monkeys' Last Lineup
CF Chen Chen-Wei
SS Lin Chi-Ping
RF Lan Yin-Lun
1B Chen Chun-Hsiu
LF Chu Yu-Hsien
2B Lin Li
DH Kuo Yen-Wen
C Liao Chien-Fu
3B Liang Chia-Jung
Guardians' Last Lineup
DH Hu Chin-Lung
SS Li Tsung-Hsien
RF Kao Kuo-Lin
1B Lin Yi-Chuan
LF Kao Kuo-Hui
3B Fan Kuo-Chen
CF Shen Hao-Wei
2B Wang Cheng-Tang
C Lin Yu-Ying
Top Picks
Mike Loree, Guardians: It's almost never smart to start a pitcher against the Monkeys, but Loree is the rare pitcher who can shut them down, as he's demonstrated once already this year. With his long track record of CPBL success, he could be considered for the captain spot even with his tough assignment, though that's certainly a risky move.
Kao Kuo-Lin, Guardians: Kao nearly always deserves captain consideration for a Guardians-based lineup, especially with a left-hander on the mound for the opposition. The outfielder has hit .342 with five home runs in 21 games this season.
Hu Chin-Lung, Guardians: Leadoff man Hu is another potential captain in this one, as he also bats right-handed. The 36-year-old has shown no signs of slowing down, hitting .314 with four homers and four steals on the year.
Lin Li, Monkeys: A Monkeys-based lineup is certainly justifiable in this contest, even with Loree pitching for the Guardians. Lin is the go-to captain option for the Monkeys as he's been dominant across the board this season, hitting .404 with 28 runs, 27 RBI and nine steals in 24 games.
Captaincy Options
1. Kao Kuo-Lin
2. Hu Chin-Lung
3. Lin Li
Dream11 Team
P Mike Loree
C Liao Chien-Fu
IF Lin Li
IF Lin Chih-Ping
IF Fan Kuo-Chen
IF Lee Tsung-Hsien
OF Kao Kuo-Lin (C)
OF Hu Chin-Lung (VC)
OF Shen Hao-Wei
