GWANGJU: Opposing managers of the Kia Tigers and Samsung Lions offered contrasting reactions following the suspension of Game 1 in the Korean Series due to rain. The game, held at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field, marked the first suspension in Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) postseason history, with the Lions leading 1-0 in the top of the sixth inning. Scheduled to resume on Tuesday at 4 p.m., the game will be followed by Game 2 later in the day.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the game faced a delay of over an hour due to intermittent showers before eventually being suspended. Samsung Lions manager Park Jin-man expressed his disappointment, asserting that the game should not have started given the rainy forecast. “I am a firm believer that when it rains early and the forecast calls for more, then we shouldn’t start,” Park stated, emphasizing player safety and optimal performance conditions. He conveyed frustration over potentially losing the advantage gained by pitcher Won Tae-in, who delivered five shutout
innings before the suspension.
Park also lamented the missed momentum following Kim Hun-gon’s solo home run that gave the Lions a 1-0 lead. “We had just seized the momentum with the home run, and now it’s gone,” he said. The suspension means the Lions will face what Park described as a “doubleheader” on Tuesday, expressing concern for his players.
Conversely, Kia Tigers manager Lee Bum-ho appeared unfazed by the suspension, suggesting it might benefit his team. He noted that his players seemed overwhelmed by the championship atmosphere but hoped the experience would mentally prepare them for the resumed game. “Hopefully, they will have regained their composure by tomorrow,” Lee remarked.
When asked about the decision to start the game in rainy conditions, Lee deferred to the KBO and umpiring crew’s judgment, stating, “It’s not for us to decide.” He added that the suspension could advantage the Tigers, as they address their earlier performance and prepare for a fresh start.
With further rain predicted for
Tuesday, both teams face the possibility of an additional delay, potentially pushing the games to Wednesday afternoon.