Gwangju: Opposing managers demonstrated markedly different reactions after rain forced the suspension of the opening game of the Korean Series between the Kia Tigers and the Samsung Lions.
According to Yonhap News Agency, in a historic first for the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) postseason, the game at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field was halted with the Lions leading 1-0 in the top of the sixth inning. The game is set to resume at 4 p.m. Tuesday from the point it was stopped, with two Lions players on base and no outs. The second game of the series will follow the completion of the resumed game.
The game’s start was delayed by over an hour due to rain, and Samsung Lions manager Park Jin-man expressed his dissatisfaction with the decision to start the game given the weather conditions. “I am a firm believer that when it rains early and the forecast calls for more, then we shouldn’t start,” Park stated. He emphasized the importance of protecting players and expressed disappointment over potentially wasting a
strong start by pitcher Won Tae-in due to the suspension.
Conversely, Kia Tigers manager Lee Bum-ho seemed unperturbed by the game’s suspension at a critical moment, noting that it might benefit his team, who appeared overwhelmed by the occasion. “Hopefully, they will have regained their composure by tomorrow,” Lee remarked, highlighting his focus on preparing the team for the next day.
The contrasting managerial philosophies reflect differing approaches to the unforeseen challenge posed by the weather, setting the stage for an intriguing continuation of the series, weather permitting.