'First in 45 Years of KBO History' — Will KIA's New Foreign Investor 'Super Hit' Sign a Renewal? To Hit 3rd in Team Home Runs in Just 8 Games Is 'Historic'... "The Korean League Is Quite Competitive"

*This content was translated by AI.

'KIA Tigers' foreign replacement hitter Aderlin Rodriguez (35) hit another home run. In 8 games this season, he recorded 8 hits, 5 of which were home runs. He has immediately climbed to a tie for 3rd place in the team's home run category. If this pace continues, the team will need to consider a contract renewal.

'KIA' secured a 9-2 victory over 'Doosan' in a regular-season home game at Gwangju-KIA Champions Field on the 13th.

'KIA', which had lost 1-5 to 'Doosan' on the 12th, succeeded in counterattacking and snapped their losing streak at 2 games. 'KIA' finished with 18 wins, 1 tie, and 20 losses. Meanwhile, 'Doosan' concluded their 3-game winning streak. Before this game, 'Doosan' had a winning percentage of 50% with just one win remaining, but after today's defeat, they recorded 18 wins, 1 tie, and 20 losses. Both teams are now tied for 5th place.

'KIA's' top contributor to today's victory was Yang Hyeon-jong on the mound, and Aderlin at the plate.

'In the bottom of the 3rd inning, with the score tied 1-1, Park Sang-jun hit a two-run double over the fence after an 11-pitch battle with one out. Then, with two outs, Kim Do-young drew a straight walk, and Aderlin stepped up to the plate.

'Aderlin' then targeted the third pitch, an outside slider (137 km/h), from 'Doosan' starter Choi Jun-ho with a 1-1 count, launching a three-run home run over the left-field wall. The distance was 110 meters. This was Aderlin's 5th home run of the season. Aderlin completed a multi-hit game with a two-run single in the 8th inning.

'Aderlin's' stats for this season after today's game are: 8 games played, batting average 0.250 (32 at-bats, 8 hits), 5 home runs, 13 RBIs, 6 runs scored, 2 walks, 6 strikeouts, slugging percentage 0.719, on-base percentage 0.286, and OPS (on-base + slugging) 1.005. Of the 8th hits, 5 were home runs. The remaining 3 hits were singles.

'With 5 home runs, Aderlin' has tied for 3rd place on the team in home runs alongside Kim Do-young (12), Na Sung-beom (6), and Park Jae-hyun. Compared to Kim Do-young's 39 games and Na Sung-beom and Park Jae-hyun's 36 games each, this is an incredible home run pace.

'Aderlin', who joined as a replacement foreign hitter for Harold Castro, had all 4 of his hits since his debut as home runs. This was a historic first in the 45th-year history of the KBO League. Before Aderlin, Tracy Sanders (Haitai) in 1999, Tom Quinnlan (Hyundai) in 2000, Manny Martinez (Samsung) in 2001, and Lee Yul-ye (SSG) in 2025 had connected 3 of their first 3 hits for home runs, but no one had ever recorded 4 consecutive home runs on their first 4 hits.

'After the game, Aderlin' spoke to reporters: "The starting pitcher Yang Hyeon-jong was pitching really well. The game itself was very tight. The opposing pitcher was also pitching well. We needed to make some adjustments, and one of our teammates got on base. I was waiting for a pitch in a good spot to hit and tried not to miss it."

'He continued regarding his recent home run pace: "Actually, hitting home runs as a batter is very difficult. But to be hitting so many of them is truly joyful. And to contribute to a team victory with a home run like today is really great. This kind of home run pace doesn't happen often. It's a special situation."

'Now, opposing teams have started analyzing and guarding against Aderlin.' He said, "All opposing pitchers and catchers try not to give batters good pitches. Since I've come to a new league, both the opposing pitchers and I need to adapt. However, I will always focus on swinging hard at pitches that come in a spot I can hit."

'He added: "All coaches and teammates have an open mind and are helping me adapt well. There are no major problems. The KBO League itself is quite a competitive league. I was also quite surprised that each team has so many fans. As the team continues to win, I want to be a part of this positive atmosphere."

'Aderlin' also showcased a spectacular catch near the first-base foul line during the game on the 12th. In the top of the 4th inning with one out, a batted ball from 'Doosan' foreign hitter Daz Cameron was hit toward the first-base foul line. At that moment, first baseman Aderlin jumped toward the first-base fence to field the ball. The ball appeared to bounce once in his glove before hitting the ground. However, he caught it with his legs, preventing it from touching the ground, and the play resulted in an out. Many fans watching the scene burst into laughter, calling it a "groin circus catch."

'Regarding this scene, he said with a cheerful smile: "Fans probably found it funny, but as a player, it was a really difficult moment. I'm truly grateful that it resulted in an out."

'Finally, he said: "This is the team with the most championships, and we are all running toward a championship. As a member of this team, I am truly happy to be here. I don't know if it will be 6 weeks or longer, but I want to be a player who works hard every time I step up to the plate. As long as the team can win, it's okay if I don't hit a home run." He conveyed his humility and sincerity.

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*This content was translated by AI.