Heavy rainfall driven by Typhoon Champi forced the postponement of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO playoff opener between the Samsung Lions and KIA Tigers at Daegu Samsung Lions Park. The initial game, scheduled for October 25, was called off as continuous downpours affected the region starting October 24.
The rain cancellation marked the 26th time a postseason game in the KBO has been washed out due to weather, and the 9th such cancellation in playoff history. With the opener delayed by a day, the entire postseason schedule shifted accordingly. League officials noted that if the playoff series extends to the full five games, a subsequent one-day adjustment to the Korean Series schedule will also be unavoidable.
Following the postponement, the Korea Baseball Organization deployed field operations staff, led by game supervisor Heo Sam-young, to inspect and manage the venue ahead of the rescheduled matchup on October 26. Crews checked internal and external drainage systems and assessed overall field conditions. Because large waterproof tarps kept over the infield had flattened the turf, workers mowed the grass to the recommended height of 2 centimeters outlined in the league’s recent ground management manual. Officials emphasized that these steps aimed to ensure optimal playing surfaces and prevent player injuries.
Despite the schedule shift, both clubs maintained their original pitching matchups for the rescheduled contest. The Samsung Lions tapped Chris Paddock as their starting pitcher, while the KIA Tigers countered with James Nail.
Paddock finished the regular season with 13 appearances spanning 76.1 innings, compiling a 7-3 record and a 2.95 ERA. He faced difficulties against KIA during the regular season, posting an 0-2 record with a 5.25 ERA across two outings. In his final regular-season start against SSG, he allowed one run over three innings while giving up three hits, one hit-by-pitch, and striking out two batters.
Nail logged a strong regular season for KIA, making 31 appearances over 183 innings with a 13-7 record and a 3.49 ERA. He performed effectively against Samsung, recording two wins and a 3.24 ERA across four starts. In the opening game of the semi-playoffs against LG, Nail earned the victory after throwing seven innings, allowing one run on four hits—including a home run—with two walks and six strikeouts.
KBO stated that it will continue to monitor and maintain field conditions across all stadiums to ensure subsequent postseason fixtures proceed without weather-related disruptions.
