"It would be better for both sides if we don't play" — Even the three-game winning streak KIA hoped for a rain cancellation... Despite a pitching advantage, "Why exactly?" [Suwon Field Report]

*This content was translated by AI.

KIA Tigers, riding a three-game winning streak, also hoped for a rain cancellation.

Ahead of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League regular-season away game against KT Wiz at SuwonKT Wiz Park on the 20th, KIA manager Lee Beom-ho repeatedly checked the Suwon sky, saying, "It would probably be better for both sides if we don't play today (the 20th)..."

This week, KIA faces the worst possible schedule, playing back-to-back against first-place LG Twins and second-place KT Wiz, yet they are currently 3 wins and 1 loss. They secured a winning series against LG with 2 wins and 1 loss, and followed that with a decisive 11-3 victory over KT in their first matchup, extending their winning streak to three games. As a result, with 37 wins, 1 tie, and 32 losses, they have narrowed the gap to third-place Samsung Lions (39 wins, 2 ties, 27 losses) to just 3.5 games.

The starting lineup matchup also favors KIA relatively. For today, KIA set their batting order as Kim Ho-ryeong (center fielder), Park Jae-hyun (left fielder), Kim Do-young (third baseman), Na Sung-beom (designated hitter), Harold Castro (first baseman), Kim Sun-bin (second baseman), Han Jun-su (catcher), Kim Kyu-sung (shortstop), and Park Jung-woo (right fielder). The starting pitcher is Hwang Dong-ha.

In response, KT set their batting order as Choi Won-jun (right fielder), Kim Hyun-soo (first baseman), Ahn Hyeon-min (designated hitter), Sam Hilliard (center fielder), Kim Min-hyeok (left fielder), Ryu Hyeon-in (third baseman), Oh Yun-seok (second baseman), Han Seung-taek (catcher), and Kwon Dong-jin (shortstop). The starting pitcher is Bae Je-seong.

KIA's Hwang Dong-ha has recorded 6 wins, 1 loss, and 1 hold in 15 games this season with an ERA of 4.09, striking out 43 batters over 55 innings. He previously defeated KT on May 2 this year, pitching 7 scoreless innings with no walks and 8 strikeouts. Facing him is KT's Bae Je-seong, who, after returning from injury, has a 4.58 ERA in 5 games, with 2 losses and no wins so far.

With light drizzle of about 1–2 mm expected to continue in the Suwon area, KIA is also hoping for a rain cancellation. Manager Lee Beom-ho candidly stated, "We have had almost no games canceled this year. Yesterday (the 19th), players played through rain from the first inning, and the field, especially the outfield, was completely wet."

Due to the continuous rain since the previous day, the infield dirt was covered with tarps for protection. However, the rest of the field absorbed moisture, raising concerns about player injuries. Additionally, with the KT game marking the start of a nine-game away series, managing players' physical condition is crucial.

Manager Lee Beom-ho expressed concern: "Players' legs feel heavy. That's why we substituted players early in the 7th and 8th innings yesterday. Playing continuously in the rain can cause body aches and heavy legs. We even kept the sauna open past noon yesterday, but their bodies must still feel heavy. They played through the rain until the 9th inning yesterday, so I'm worried."

Unfortunately for both managers, the game appears set to proceed. Around 4 p.m., the tarp was removed and field maintenance began, and spectators started entering the stadium. With no heavy rain forecast for the evening, the game is expected to proceed as planned, with players enduring light rain similar to the previous day.

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*This content was translated by AI.