🧨 Guardians Finally Win Away From Home After 200+ Days: A Look into the Game, the Slump, and the Future
In a game that felt more like a dramatic playoff battle than an April regular-season contest, the Fubon Guardians finally snapped their 200-day road win drought by defeating the CTBC Brothers 1-0 on Sunday at the Taipei Dome. This wasn’t just a statistical win—it was a psychological victory that could reset the trajectory of the Guardians’ struggling 2025 campaign.
This game marked their first away victory since September 28, 2024, when they beat the Wei Chuan Dragons 7-3. In between? A harsh stretch of 10 consecutive road losses, tying the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) record for longest away losing streak—set by none other than themselves back in 2017.
🔎 Game Summary: One Run, but an Ocean of Emotion
- Final Score: Fubon Guardians 1, CTBC Brothers 0
- Venue: Taipei Dome
- Date: April 20, 2025
The game remained scoreless until the top of the ninth inning. The Guardians had several opportunities with runners in scoring position, but couldn’t cash in until late. A clutch RBI in the ninth secured the lone run—just enough to seal the win thanks to their dominant pitching performance.
🎯 Spotlight: Huang Pao-lo’s Breakout Performance
The star of the night was undoubtedly Huang Pao-lo (黃保羅), the Guardians’ 21-year-old right-hander and 2022 first-round pick.
- Innings Pitched: 7.2
- Strikeouts: 8 (career high)
- Walks: 3
- Hits Allowed: 1 (a double in the 7th inning)
- Total Pitches: 97
- ERA in 2025 so far: 1.08 (compared to 4.20 in 2024)
Huang flirted with a no-hitter, holding the Brothers hitless through 6 innings before giving up a leadoff double to Hsu Chi-hung in the 7th. His fastball-splitter combination was on full display, especially against right-handed batters. Huang later revealed that he was aware of the no-hit bid midway through but chose to remain grounded.
🗣 “I knew I was pitching a no-hitter, but I didn’t let it distract me. I just kept executing one pitch at a time,” Huang told reporters postgame.
🧠 Analysis: A Victory Beyond the Scoreboard
This wasn’t just a win—it was an emotional and psychological reset. The Guardians had been spiraling. They were:
- Dead last in the CPBL standings
- Carrying a 5-game overall losing streak
- Struggling heavily on offense and bullpen consistency
But Sunday’s win showed:
✅ The starting rotation has a rising star in Huang
✅ The team chemistry remains intact, with players grinding through adversity
✅ Manager Chen Chin-feng’s focus on “process over panic” may be working
Manager Chen downplayed the relief of the win, noting the team must continue preparing daily. But the body language in the dugout and locker room told a different story: this one meant more than just a tick in the win column.
📉 CPBL Standings After the Game
| Rank | Team | Record |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | CTBC Brothers | 11-6 |
| 2 | Uni-President 7-Eleven Lions | 10-6 |
| 3 | Rakuten Monkeys | 6-10 |
| 4 | Wei Chuan Dragons | 6-10 |
| 5 | Fubon Guardians | 5-11 |
| 6 | TSG Hawks | TBD |
Despite the win, the Guardians remain in last place, just behind the Rakuten Monkeys, but now within striking distance. The momentum shift from this win could lead to a stronger May, especially if Huang continues to pitch like an ace.
🛠️ Looking Ahead: Can the Guardians Turn This Around?
Sunday’s win was not just a statistical blip—it may be the start of something more. If they can capitalize on this emotional boost, solve their hitting inconsistency, and support their young pitchers, a mid-season surge isn’t out of the question.
The Guardians’ next few games are critical. With no games on Monday, they’ll regroup and prepare to host the Dragons, the same team they last beat on the road seven months ago.
❓FAQs
How long was the Fubon Guardians’ road losing streak?
Their road losing streak lasted over 200 days, totaling 10 consecutive games, tying the CPBL record.
Who pitched for the Guardians in their shutout win?
Huang Pao-lo, a 21-year-old right-hander, pitched 7.2 innings of one-hit ball and struck out a career-high 8 batters.
What made this win significant for the Guardians?
It ended a long road slump, snapped a five-game overall losing streak, and gave the team a potential morale boost heading into May.
How is Huang Pao-lo performing this season compared to last year?
In 2025, he has a 1.08 ERA over three starts, compared to 4.20 ERA in 2024. He’s emerging as a top rotation piece.
Are the Guardians still in last place despite the win?
Yes, they are currently in sixth place, but only one game behind the Rakuten Monkeys.
