When it rains, it doesn’t...
Samsung Lions manager Park Jin-man expressed deep disappointment after the home game against the Lotte Giants was declared a rainout on the 28th.
The game was interrupted when heavy rain poured during the top of the first inning with one out and one on base for Lotte. The entrance to the 1st and 3rd base dugouts became flooded, and puddles formed throughout the outfield. Due to the heavy rainfall, even if it stopped, ground maintenance would take a long time, making it seem unlikely that the game would resume. Ultimately, the game was declared a rainout.
Before the game on the 29th, manager Park Jin-man met with reporters and noted, "It's most disappointing when we use a starting pitcher and the game is declared a rainout. When it rains, it doesn’t."
As a result, changes to the starting rotation became inevitable. Denny Reyes, who was scheduled to start on the 28th, will pitch in the final game of the weekend series against the LG Twins on the 1st, while Ariel Hurado will take the mound in the first game of the midweek series against the SSG Landers on the 3rd.
There have been many instances of bad weather when Reyes is scheduled to pitch. Therefore, manager Park Jin-man said, "The weather needs to be good when Reyes pitches, and it’s disappointing," adding, "We must be careful since he could get injured when the weather is bad. That’s my biggest concern."
Manager Park Jin-man also expressed concern, saying, "Even if it doesn’t rain, we need to consider canceling the game if there’s thunder and lightning. There’s a risk of injury to both players and fans."
Meanwhile, Samsung's starting lineup consists of designated hitter Kim Ji-chan, center fielder Kim Seong-yoon, left fielder Gu Ja-wook, first baseman Lewin Diaz, catcher Kang Min-ho, second baseman Ryu Ji-hyeok, shortstop Lee Jae-hyun, third baseman Kim Young-woong, and right fielder Park Seung-kyu.
The starting pitcher is right-hander Choi Won-tae. He has appeared in 9 games this season, recording 3 wins, 2 losses, and an earned run average of 5.12.
The Lotte starting pitcher is "glasses ace" Park Se-woong. Park Se-woong, who has recorded 8 wins and 2 losses with an earned run average of 2.94 over 11 games this season, struggled against Samsung on the 17th, allowing 8 hits, 5 walks, and 5 earned runs over 5 innings.
Manager Park Jin-man projected regarding Park Se-woong, "Our batters have good memories against Park Se-woong, so they will likely be confident."
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