The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) League's Hanwha Eagles' Luis Liberato (30) is showing good performances that make people forget about the existing foreign players.
Liberato started as the No. 2 center fielder in the game against the SSG Landers on the 29th at Incheon SSG Landers Field, recording 1 hit in 4 at-bats.
Hanwha began the season this year with Estevan Florial. Florial recorded a batting average of .271 (70 hits in 258 at-bats), 8 home runs, 29 RBIs, 36 runs, and 13 stolen bases in 65 games, showing solid performance, but he was injured when hit on the right hand by a pitch from KIA's closer Jeong Hae-young on the 8th, causing him to be removed from the lineup.
Facing injury challenges, Hanwha brought in Liberato as an injury replacement foreign player. Liberato has had a good start this season, recording a batting average of .400 (10 hits in 25 at-bats), 1 home run, 5 RBIs, and an OPS of 1.023 in 6 games. In particular, he has exhibited a strong presence by contributing important RBIs in crucial moments.
Hanwha's manager Kim Kyung-moon noted in an interview before the game on the 29th, "Liberato is doing well. He has a sense for baseball. Since he is a player who plays for a short time, the coaches don't have time to tell him what to do. He himself is a player with a sense for baseball," positively regarding Liberato.
Liberato is not the type of power hitter typically found among foreign players aiming for home runs. Rather, he is the type of hitter that produces many hits with precise hitting. Liberato said, "Friends who played in Korea recommended that I would adapt well here," and added, "I am a player who hits many short hits rather than long balls and can also lay down bunts. So I think they were suggesting I would fit well in the KBO League."
"Whether it's driving in runs or hitting home runs, the moment is important. A home run in a 10-1 game is of no use," emphasized Kim Kyung-moon, adding, "Liberato hit a game-changing three-run home run yesterday (28th) and had a game-winning hit in Daegu. He has been driving in such runs that bring victories to the team," praising Liberato's clutch ability. He continued, "It seems he has good skills to compete against pitchers he meets for the first time. He is a tremendous help to the team."
Liberato explained his approach, saying, "I always have the same thought when I step to the plate. It is important to keep the offense going. I only think about making contact with the ball." He added, "Honestly speaking, I try not to think too much about the 6-week contract. I only think about working hard at the plate every day," expressing his determination to do his best each day.
Fans' expectations are growing to see if Liberato, who made a strong impression immediately after joining, can show good performances during the remaining contract period and create a turnaround.
[OSEN]