Both coaches said they would not argue about the advantages and disadvantages caused by rain. However, weather will likely affect the direction of the Korean Series trophy this year.
The Korean Series of the KBO League in the 2024 season between the KIA Tigers and the Samsung Lions has come to an end. The two teams started Game 1 with spectacular fireworks at Kia Champions Field in Gwangju on the 21st. However, it was 66 minutes later than scheduled. KIA starter James Nail threw the first pitch at 7:36 p.m., not at 6:30 p.m., when the game was originally scheduled.안전놀이터
It was due to rain. It rained heavily in Gwangju on the afternoon of the day, which could have been deemed difficult to proceed with the game. Officials before the game repeatedly walked with a tarpaulin on three occasions.
The game was very tight, as was the case with the Korean Series. Through the fifth inning, KIA Nail and Samsung's Won Tae-in performed their part as starting pitchers.
The balance of zero was broken at Samsung's offense in the top of the sixth inning. Nail, who had been dominating Samsung's batters by banking on her sweeper, threw just one out and one out against leadoff hitter Kim Hun-gon. Kim didn't miss it, and hit a solo home run over the fence behind the right field. Afterwards, Samsung had two walks from the KIA mound, giving it a chance to hit the first and second bases with no outs.
However, the game stopped again. The rain intensified again. The umpires decided that they could not proceed further and suspended the game. The first suspended game in the postseason history of professional baseball has been declared.
The remaining first and second rounds were planned to be held on Tuesday. However, due to heavy rain on the previous day, the situation at the ground changed to an extent that the game could not proceed. As a result, the game has been postponed one more day to Sunday.
"It's an unprecedented situation. What can we do about the postponement due to the ground and weather conditions, regardless of the advantages and disadvantages?" KIA manager Lee Bum-ho said. "We can adjust to the changing situation without much agitation." Samsung manager Park Jin-man also said, "It's important to have a good performance in a normal ground condition, regardless of the disadvantages. We will not hesitate to prepare."
From Samsung's perspective, it is regrettable that the game was suspended in the first round. This is because starting pitcher Won Tae-in was pitching very well. On the day, Won pitched hard, allowing two hits, two walks and three strikeouts in five innings. He clearly displayed a pace at which he could throw more. However, as the game was suspended, Won had to stop pitching by force.
On a positive note, Won Tae-in may take the starting mound again as soon as possible because he pitched 66 pitches on the day. "We believe that he will enter the fifth day (Game 4) because the number of pitches is less than 70," coach Park Jin-man said on the 22nd. Won Tae-in also expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "I want to play not only Game 4 but also Game 7 where I will take the mound after a four-day break."
Another must-win card, Danny Reyes, will also be able to take another day off. Reyes pitched seven innings in Game 4 of the playoffs against the LG Twins on the 19th. He pitched as many as 110. Many predicted that he would not be on the starting mound until the third and fourth games of the Korean Series. However, as the game has been postponed due to rain, Reyes' name is mentioned as the starting pitcher for Game 2. However, coach Park Jin-man replied to Reyes' possibility of starting Game 2.
From Kia's point of view, it seems that its performance in the rain is not bad. First of all, it is a clear benefit that they do not have to see Won Tae-in who is strong in the remaining first game. "He is the king of wins in most games in Korea. I thought it was difficult," manager Lee Bum-ho said, expressing confidence, saying, "After five innings, the bullpen will come out, and we played well against the Samsung bullpen."
Another positive point for Lee is that he improved his sense of play by playing in a real game for the first time in a long time. "As it was the first game of the Korean Series, I was nervous and excited. However, he must have had a sense of play, and he will play in a comfortable state," Lee said.
In addition, Nail who successfully returned to the mound is taking longer rest. After receiving joint surgery after being hit in the jaw against the NC Dinos on August 24, Nail stood on the mound only after the Korean Series. Although she was on the verge of losing the game by allowing one run, her pitching was fantastic. Nail pitched well with four hits, two walks, six strikeouts and one run in five innings.
"Nail also has some time until the next game," Lee said, expressing satisfaction. "Won Tae-in is in a situation where he can start in Game 4. We will also make a decision after checking the condition of his nails."