BASEBALL/Taiwan edges Puerto Rico in extras to stay alive at U-18 World Cup

Naha, Japan (CNA) Taiwan kept its semifinal hopes alive at the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup with a 1-0, two extra-innings Super Round victory over Puerto Rico in Naha, Japan on Friday.

Li Kai-qi (李楷棋) singled to shallow center in the bottom of the ninth to score Hsu Shu-cheng (許書誠) with the game's only run at Okinawa Cellular Stadium. Hsu and Pasula Takislinian advanced to second and third on a double steal before Li's game-winning hit off reliever Joniel Miranda.

The two teams were scoreless through eight and a half innings in a pitchers' duel.

Taiwan starter Chen Shih-chan (陳世展) gave up just two singles, struck out five and issued no walks over seven innings.

Puerto Rico's Richard De Jesus allowed one hit and one walk before turning the ball over to Miranda.

Despite managing only two hits -- Zeng Sheng-en's (曾聖恩) single in the sixth and Li's walk-off knock -- Taiwan improved its Super Round record to 2-2 with the win.

The victory was Taiwan's first in the stage after a loss to South Korea on Thursday.

Taiwan will face host Japan on Saturday.