"Rainout? The rain will favor the team that wins after it ends → It wasn't a slugfest anyway" — A cheerful Lee Beom-ho

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

"In the end, won't the rain favor the team that wins after it's over?"

The game came to a halt under the pouring autumn rain, but the manager's wit and composure were unshaken. Lee Beom-ho (45), manager of the KIA Tigers, showcased his signature cheerfulness.

Ahead of the start of the Playoffs Game 1 showdown between the Samsung Lions and the KIA Tigers, which was scheduled for 2 p.m. on the 25th at Daegu Samsung Lions Park, the game was abruptly postponed due to rain. Immediately after the cancellation decision was made, Manager Lee Beom-ho entered the interview room with an expression that reflected calm composure rather than regret.

The first question to come up was, naturally, about the advantages and disadvantages of the rainout. In response, Manager Lee Beom-ho smiled and gave a clear answer: "It seems like the rain will favor the team that wins after it ends." He added, "Rather than forcing a game in the rain, playing when the weather is completely fine allows both teams to show fans their maximum performance. I think that aspect suits both teams. Ultimately, the team that smiles at the end will take today's rain as an advantage."

He also drew a line against the view that an extra day of rest might negatively affect the players' batting feel. Manager Lee stated, "Samsung will also send out their best pitchers one after another as their 1st, 2nd, and 3rd starters," predicting, "I don't think it will be easy to produce a game where we can score heavily with our hitting. Whether it's Game 1 or Game 2, it will likely turn into a tight pitching duel."

He continued, "Batting feel doesn't just cool down because you rest one more day; it depends on the players' condition from day to day. I don't worry about it much," revealing his unwavering confidence.

He also candidly shared details about his lineup management. Regarding the background of using Han Jun-su as a designated hitter, he explained, "We considered the matchup against the opposing pitcher," adding, "Considering head-to-head records and strikeout rates, we felt that Han Jun-su's ability to get on base and his ability to work long at-bats were more needed in the early stages."

The starting pitcher will also remain unchanged for a head-on battle. Manager Lee firmly stated regarding the starting pitcher for Game 1, which was delayed by one day to the 26th, "We will go with James Neal as announced." Samsung will also stick with Chris Fiddix.

Meanwhile, KIA set its starting lineup in the following order: Park Jeong-woo (center fielder) - Park Jae-hyun (left fielder) - Kim Do-young (third baseman) - Castro (first baseman) - Na Seung-beom (right fielder) - Kim Sun-bin (second baseman) - Han Jun-su (designated hitter) - Kim Tae-goon (catcher) - Ha Ju-seok (shortstop). It appears highly likely that they will take the field in this same lineup for Game 2, which will be held on the 26th.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original