Lin Zebin airborne strike king Mitsunari Goto: Both offense and defense have improved

Mitsunari Goto. (File photo, taken by reporter Lin Zhengkun)

[Reporter Xu Zhengyang/New Taipei Report] Fubon star Lin Zebin had 5 hits and 3 hits yesterday, finally making up for the number of plate appearances needed to be on the list, and parachuted to the batting champion with a batting average of 0.330. Head coach Mitsutoshi Goto said that Lin Zebin's offense and defense have improved this year, and the coaching staff will not specifically calculate how many plate appearances he needs, "because he will start every game."

Fubon completed its 113th game of the season yesterday. A hitter needs at least 351 plate appearances to enter the rankings. Lin Zebin just made up for it yesterday. If he is still qualified to compete for the batting title by the end of the season, he still has 21 plate appearances. Goto said that he knows that at least 372 plate appearances are needed for the whole season, but he will not specifically calculate it for Lin Zebin. "We have 7 games left and he will start in each game."

Goto believes that Lin Zebin was very capable in hitting last year, and his defense has also improved this year. One of the main reasons is that he almost guarded second base throughout the season, and his performance was very stable. "Last year, he sometimes played second base, sometimes shortstop, or did not start. This year, he is almost fixed at second base, and there are more starting opportunities, which may allow him to find a rhythm."