There is no rain forecast now...The time of choice came to KIA in the top of the sixth inning with no outs and runners on first and second bases

There is no rain forecast now...The time of choice came to KIA in the top of the sixth inning with no outs and runners on first and second bases

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After two days of agonizing, the time of choice is approaching for the KIA Tigers.

KIA, led by head coach Lee Bum-ho, was playing the first game of the 2024 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO Korean Series at Gwangju-KIA Champions Field on the 21st. Suspended games were declared as the game was suspended due to rain at the top of the sixth inning when the Samsung Lions were attacking, and the game was not held on the 22nd due to ground conditions and rain forecasts. The first round of suspended games between the two teams will resume at 4 p.m. on the 23rd.

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration's announcement, the probability of precipitation in the morning and afternoon of the 23rd in Imdong, Buk-gu, Gwangju, where Gwangju-KIA Champions Field is located, is 30% and 0%, respectively. In other words, it is unlikely that the game will be suspended or pushed back due to rain. If the ground maintenance is carried out without any problems, the game is expected to resume on time.메이저사이트

Samsung was more advantageous in terms of the trend until the game was suspended. Starting pitcher Won Tae-in blocked five scoreless innings, and leadoff hitter Kim Hun-gon fired a solo shot at the top of the sixth inning to give the team the first run. KIA, which failed to take the lead even after starting "Ace" James Nail, faced a crisis.

This was not the end of the game. After Kim Heon-gon's homer, Nail drew a walk to follow-up hitter Lewin Diaz, and second pitcher Jang Hyun-sik gave a walk to Kang Min-ho, making it first and second bases with no outs. Ball count is also at a disadvantage. As a suspended game is established after Jang's first pitch ball, the first game between the two teams will resume at the ball count of one ball, which is the point of suspension.

Samsung, which can no longer lead Won Tae-in, has to consume the bullpen from the bottom of the sixth inning, but if KIA fails to finish the top of the sixth inning with one run, the situation will be even more difficult. The inning should be concluded without additional runs and an opportunity for a reversal should be prepared

Kia has yet to decide who to post after the game resumes until Tuesday. "We are discussing with our pitching coach whether to post left-hander or right-hander at Kim Young-woong's at-bat," Lee Bum-ho, who met reporters before the first game of Suspended Game 1 was postponed due to rain on Tuesday, said. "We are still agonizing over whether (Kim Young-woong) will try to bunt or just hit the ball. We will have to think about it before the game resumes, and then we will have to choose next."

"As the game resumes from one ball, I'm worried that Kim Young-woong will yield a walk when we ask for a young player with good pitching, and when I ask for a right-handed pitcher, I'm worried that Kim Young-woong is a good right-handed pitcher. We'll keep thinking about which one is better for us," he added.

It remains to be seen what decision Samsung will make as well. "I left it to Kim Young-woong without any plan (before the game was suspended). I think there will be a change depending on who will join the team when the game resumes."

The best scenario for Kia, which aims to win from behind, is to maintain a one-run gap to end the top of the sixth inning, balance the ball at the bottom of the sixth inning or reverse the game. "It was also the first game, and I think the players were so nervous that they missed the ball that they could hit at bat. As it is two matches in the first round, I will definitely play with less tension. I think the team will display more robust batting performance than on Monday," Lee said.