Samsung in tears, KIA smiling? NO, the 'real WINNER' is KT... No matter who wins, one less day of rest [Daegu on-site]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Two years ago, the sky certainly smiled upon the KIA Tigers. The Samsung Lions and KIA Tigers have met again in the fall baseball season. The first game was called off due to rain, and discussions regarding which team benefits are emerging.

Game 1 of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO Postseason Playoffs (PO, best-of-five series) between Samsung and KIA, scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. on the 25th at Daegu Samsung Lions Park, was called off due to rain.

For the third-place KIA Tigers, who advanced through the semi-playoffs, this means an additional day of rest, which is a welcome break. However, the Samsung Lions, who were physically in perfect condition, are unlikely to find comfort in KIA's extra day off.

Before the game, Park Jin-man, manager of Samsung, said, "I don't think there is any particular advantage to KIA getting more rest and coming in a day later," adding, "As I have always said, I believe it is best to play when the field conditions are good."

However, upon closer inspection, there is not much practical benefit for KIA either. James Neal, designated as the starting pitcher for Game 1, started against the LG Twins in Game 1 on the 17th, throwing 92 pitches over seven innings to allow four hits (one home run), two walks, and one earned run while striking out six batters to earn the win. He then rested for exactly one week.

After KIA ended the series in Game 3 on the 20th, they had spent four days adjusting their condition for this start. In that context, an extra day of rest could also be seen as a factor that might disrupt their rhythm.

Of course, the situation may differ somewhat for the bullpen after a long season. However, in Game 3, where the outcome was decided early, even the key relief pitchers rested, and they have already had five days off. Concerns are also being raised about whether the batters' hot bats might cool down.

KIA catcher Kim Tae-goon said, "I think an extra day of rest would probably be more helpful for the bullpen pitchers," while adding, "From the position players' perspective, I worry that our hitting form might cool down a bit. My feelings are going back and forth between these two thoughts."

What is clear is that there is definitely one team reaping all the benefits: the KT Wiz, who have already secured a spot in the Korea Series. Because Koo Ja-wook was in a difficult defensive situation, Choi Hyeong-woo was scheduled to wait on the bench rather than play as the designated hitter. It is expected that even if they advance to the Korea Series, it will not be easy for Koo Ja-wook to play defense. To make matters worse, closer Kim Jae-yoon has been ruled out for the season.

If KIA advances, the fatigue accumulated since the semi-playoffs could be a clear advantage for KT. Looking at past examples, it is a well-known fact that teams starting their fall baseball run in the Korea Series as regular-season champions hold an advantage.

However, if the series had ended in Game 3, they would have been able to enjoy three days of sweet rest before facing KIA. But the situation has changed due to today's rainout. If the schedule for Game 1 of the Korea Series on the 2nd of next month is not affected by including the rest day, the schedule will proceed as planned. In other words, if the series does not go to a fifth game, it means one less day of rest. For KT, today's rain news must feel incredibly welcome.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original