CHANGWON, South Korea - NC Dinos' manager Kang In-kwon chose not to hold a special team meeting or give a motivational speech following the team's first defeat in the current Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) postseason on Thursday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, remarks made on Friday, Kang believed that a relaxed approach would be more beneficial for his players after the Dinos were defeated 3-0 by the KT Wiz in Game 3 of the second round. The loss at Changwon NC Park ended the Dinos' postseason winning streak, which had matched the KBO record. Despite the setback, which thwarted their immediate advancement to the Korean Series, the Dinos have opportunities in the forthcoming games to secure their spot.
Kang expressed confidence in his team's abilities and effort, indicating that formal team discussions were unnecessary at this stage. Maintaining consistency, Kang also refrained from making any adjustments to the starting lineup for the crucial Game 4, despite the team's lack of runs in the previous 15 innings.
The Dinos' lineup, including center fielder Jason Martin, who has struggled to make an impact in the series, remained unchanged. Kang reiterated his hope that Martin, retained as the cleanup hitter, would overcome his current slump and provide the offensive boost the team needs.
The Dinos' resolve and Kang's strategic choices were set to be tested again in Game 4, with the series poised at a critical juncture. The Dinos' performance in the upcoming games would determine if they can keep their championship aspirations alive in this postseason.