TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Heavy rain causing poor playing conditions forced the postponement of Game 4 of the Taiwan Series between the Rakuten Monkeys and the CTBC Brothers, originally scheduled for Wednesday at Taoyuan Baseball Stadium.
The game will be played on Thursday, previously designated as a travel day for both teams in the best-of-seven series, which follows a 2-2-3 format. However, with heavy rain continuing across the region, officials said further delays remain possible, per CNA.
The Monkeys lead the series 2-1. On Tuesday, the Brothers kept their hopes of repeating as champions alive with a 2-0 win over the Monkeys before a crowd of 37,088 at the Taipei Dome. The indoor venue provided ideal conditions for Brothers starting pitcher Jesus Vargas, who threw 6 2/3 scoreless innings on just 68 pitches.
The Monkeys had been looking to regain momentum as the series shifted to their home field in Taoyuan. Their scheduled starter, 31-year-old American left-hander Caleb Baragar, was set to face CTBC Brothers right-hander Cheng Hao-chun (鄭浩均).
According to league rules, games postponed due to rain or other uncontrollable circumstances will be rescheduled at the previously designated stadium. If Thursday’s matchup is again postponed, the Brothers’ home games scheduled for Friday and Sunday at Taichung’s Intercontinental Baseball Stadium will also be delayed.
The Rakuten Monkeys said a pre-game performance by Taiwanese rock band Fire EX. will likewise be postponed. Fans holding tickets for the rained-out game can use them for the rescheduled matchup, as seats will remain reserved. Refund requests can be submitted through the ibon ticketing website, while group ticket holders must apply via their original purchase channels.
