Corey Seager's Triumphant Return to Dodger Stadium
Corey Seager made a dramatic return to Dodger Stadium, delivering a go-ahead, three-run homer that propelled the Texas Rangers to a 3-2 victory on Wednesday night. This game marked Seager's first regular-season appearance at the iconic venue since he left as a free agent in 2021.
Seager's Impactful Performance
Seager, who signed a massive $325 million, 10-year contract with the Rangers, made his presence felt instantly. His three-run blast in the fifth inning off Walker Buehler soared 422 feet and was clocked at an impressive 111 mph. This homer was not only Seager's hardest-hit home run of the season but also tied for the longest home run he's hit this year.
The shot also marked Seager's 60th home run at Dodger Stadium, placing him sixth among active players in home runs at this iconic venue. So far this season, Seager has hit a total of 14 home runs.
Warm Welcome and Mixed Reactions
The Dodgers' faithful welcomed Seager warmly with a video tribute during Tuesday's series opener. Seager, who was the 2016 National League Rookie of the Year and the 2020 NL and World Series MVP with the Dodgers, reflected on the mixed reactions he received from the crowd of 48,930.
After his go-ahead homer on Wednesday, the crowd expressed their displeasure when he came up to bat again. Reflecting on the mixed reception, Seager said, "It kind of comes with the territory, I get it. I don't blame them."
Return and Recovery
Seager missed his fourth consecutive game due to a hamstring issue on Tuesday. He returned to the lineup as the designated hitter on Wednesday and went 1-for-3 with a strikeout in his first game back. Rangers manager Bruce Bochy expressed relief and gratitude for Seager's return, stating, "It's good to have Corey back. We saw what he means to us. We missed him."
Seager is expected to continue serving as the designated hitter for the series finale on Thursday as the Rangers aim to manage his hamstring issue cautiously.
Clutch Ending
The Rangers held on for the victory in a dramatic fashion. Dodgers rookie Andy Pages ran through a stop sign and was thrown out at the plate for the final out, sealing the win for the Rangers.
Looking Forward
As the Rangers move forward, they will continue to rely on Seager's powerful presence in their lineup. Ensuring his health and managing his hamstring issue will be of utmost importance for the team. With Seager back, the Rangers have a key piece of their offensive puzzle ready to make an impact in the crucial upcoming games.
Seager's triumphant return to Dodger Stadium serves as a reminder of his talent and the significant role he plays in the Rangers' quest for success this season.