Major variable emerges in the preliminary playoff → 'Raindrops' begin to fall at Gwangju; 'Champions Field fans start entering' What happens if the game is suspended due to rain? [Preliminary Playoff 2 On-Site Report]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

The biggest variable has emerged ahead of Game 2 of the Preliminary Playoffs (best-of-five series) between the KIA Tigers and the LG Twins. It is due to the weather. Raindrops have begun to fall lightly in the Gwangju area. Both KIA, which won Game 1, and LG, which conceded the game in a disappointing fashion, are closely monitoring changes in the weather.

KIA and LG will play Game 2 of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO Postseason Preliminary Playoffs at Gwangju-KIA Champions Field at 2 p.m. on the 18th.

In Game 1, held the previous day (the 17th), KIA secured a 5-1 victory, powered by Kim Do-young's one-man show that included a multi-home run and four runs batted in, along with a strong seven-inning, one-run performance from ace James Neal. Meanwhile, LG, which lost Game 1, is expected to need to win Game 2 to return to their home ground in Jamsil and seize an opportunity for a turnaround.

However, the return to Jamsil may be delayed by a day. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, rain is forecast to fall in the northern district of Gwangju, where Champions Field is located, from this afternoon. Rain ranging from 1 mm to a maximum of 4 mm has been forecast from 5 p.m. until 2 a.m. tomorrow (the 19th). Yet, under already cloudy skies, raindrops have repeatedly started and stopped falling at the stadium as of noon. Nevertheless, fans have already begun entering Champions Field.

In response, the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) re-announced the detailed implementation rules to be applied in case of rain during the postseason, thereby reducing confusion.

The KBO stated, "The implementation rules for rain during the postseason prioritize the safety of players and spectators, and the decision on whether to proceed with the game is made by comprehensively considering weather forecasts, ground conditions, and the time required for maintenance. Before the start of the game, the game operations committee makes the decision; after the start, the game operations committee and the umpiring committee consult to make the decision."

It added, "The implementation rules announced this time are centered on applying the postseason suspended game regulations revised in January 2025 and implemented since last season, as well as the criteria for deciding whether to resume a regular-season game after rain established at the fourth executive committee meeting in October 2026, to the postseason."

The KBO explained, "If rainy conditions persist, we will wait for a minimum of 30 minutes in accordance with baseball rules, and then decide whether to resume the game or declare it suspended. If additional waiting is required after the initial 30-minute wait, the 50th-minute mark after suspension serves as the final decision point. The final decision takes into account the time required for maintenance and future weather forecasts. Additionally, if the game is suspended two or more times, the total suspension time is aggregated to make the decision."

It emphasized, "If a resumption is decided, the home team must actively deploy available equipment, personnel, and materials to ensure the game can be resumed promptly. Furthermore, even in situations where it is not raining before the game, if rain within 30 minutes after the start strongly suggests an early-game suspension, tarpaulins may be laid down in advance and the start of the game delayed."

It also stated, "No games will be declared no-games or rainouts in KBO postseasons since last year; only suspended game rules apply. If a suspended game is established, play resumes from the situation at the time of suspension, regardless of the inning in which it was paused, and only one game is played per day. Previously scheduled games are postponed to the scheduled start time of the following day's game. If the next day is a travel day, the game is played on the travel day, and the entire series schedule is postponed by one day. If the next day is the final game of the series, the game is played on the next day or a travel day, and the entire postseason schedule is postponed by one day."

KIA Tigers manager Lee Beom-ho said ahead of the game, "In the postseason, games are now conducted as suspended games in case of rain interruptions during play, so I do not think rain will have such a big impact. Even if we cannot finish the game, we must play immediately the next day. Since it is a suspended game, we are not overly concerned about the rain and simply intend to play the game."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original