The Hanwha Eagles, who are currently racing for 1st place thanks to the performances of foreign pitchers, have now begun to enjoy the effects of foreign hitters as well. Luis Liberato (30), who joined as a replacement foreign batter for Estevan Florial due to injury, has shown a strong impact in just 3 games and is poised to spark a ‘6-week temporary’ rebellion.

On the 26th, Liberato was selected as the second batter and center fielder for the away game against the Samsung Lions in the 2025 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO League, contributing to Hanwha’s 3-1 comeback victory with 2 hits in 4 at-bats, including a timely hit to tie the game in the 6th and a double in the 8th.

Facing Samsung's new foreign pitcher, Herson Garavito, Liberato struck out swinging on a curveball in his first at-bat in the 1st inning and grounded out in front of the pitcher in the 4th inning. However, he emerged as a resolver in the 6th inning with two outs and runners on 1st and 2nd base, when Samsung brought in left-handed reliever Bae Chan-seung against the left-handed batter Liberato, but it didn't work. Liberato hit a high fastball at 153 km/h on Bae's 4th pitch that came in high and outside, turning it into a line drive hit that dropped in front of the left fielder. This showcased his precise contact ability.

His timely hit brought home the runner on 2nd base, Sim Woo-jun, for an RBI that tied the game. During this process, the Samsung left fielder, Koo Ja-wook, failed to field the bounce, allowing the runner on 1st base, Lee Jin-young, to come home as well. It was a 2-1 turnaround. Liberato also didn't miss the opportunity, sprinting past 2nd base and sliding headfirst into 3rd base. He looked towards the Hanwha dugout and vigorously performed the 'Eagle Claw' celebration, boosting the entire team's morale.

With a 3-1 lead, in the 8th inning with 2 outs and a runner on 1st base, he connected with a slider from right-handed pitcher Hwang Dong-jae that came in low on the first pitch, producing a double that fell to the right of the right fielder. This was the first time he had targeted an off-speed pitch rather than a fastball for his 5th hit of the season. Although it did not lead to additional runs, Hanwha, boosted by Liberato's multi-hit game, won 3-1.

After the game, Hanwha manager Kim Kyung-moon noted, 'Moon Dong-ju fulfilled his role as the starting pitcher, and the batting lineup showed concentration centered around Liberato,' naming both Moon and Liberato as the key contributors to the victory.

Liberato expressed, 'I am very happy to contribute to the team's victory rather than just focusing on multi-hits. I was just thinking that I should not miss any pitches in the strike zone, regardless of who the opposing pitcher was, especially in scoring situations. When we were behind, it was good to see a positive result, and I think a passionate celebration came out naturally.'

Since joining the team on the 20th, Liberato has taken on the role of the mood maker with his cheerful demeanor, quickly blending into the Hanwha dugout in just 3 games. He said, 'In the dugout, I always try to get closer by joking around with my teammates like family,' demonstrating his exceptional sociability.

In his debut on the 22nd against Daejeon Kiwoom, Liberato made a strong impression with 3 hits including a double in 5 at-bats, but went silent with no hits in 4 at-bats against Samsung on the 25th, also committing an error in center field. However, he bounced back with a multi-hit game that included a double, marking a season batting average of .385 (5 hits in 13 at-bats) and 2 RBIs. He also made three reliable catches for out in center field, covering a wide range, while his aggressive base running play would be something Manager Kim Kyung-moon would appreciate.

There have been very few 6-week temporary foreign hitters in the KBO League, but none have adapted as quickly as Liberato. Ryan McBroom, who debuted on April 25 as a replacement for Guillermo Heredia of SSG due to injury, had a batting average of .230 (15 hits in 74 at-bats) with 4 home runs and 11 RBIs, showing power but lacking accuracy. With 5 walks and 28 strikeouts, he exhibited terrible plate discipline and was removed from the first-team roster before the 6-week contract ended, packing up early.

Stone Garrett, who joined Kiwoom as a replacement foreign batter for Ruben Cardinez and debuted on the 12th, struggled with a .167 batting average (6 hits in 36 at-bats) and 5 RBIs over 10 games, all of his hits being singles. He made errors in right field and demonstrated below-par adaptability both offensively and defensively. Ultimately, he was left out of the starting lineup against KIA on the 26th and only came in as a pinch hitter in the 11th inning, where he got a hit to left field. Although his contract period is still ongoing, the atmosphere suggests he is headed for failure.

Temporary foreign players for 6 weeks are indeed at a disadvantage compared to pitchers. It's not easy to adapt quickly to the pitches of Korean pitchers they encounter for the first time. With rainy season cancellations happening three times right after his arrival, it would have been even harder for Liberato to manage his hitting feel, but he is showing adaptability with his unique fast and compact swing and contact ability. With outstanding social skills, he has quickly integrated into the team in just 3 games, becoming a lucky charm that contributes to Hanwha's lead.

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