Statements
Corey Seager made a triumphant return to Dodger Stadium, delivering a clutch, 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 departed as a free agent in 2021.
Seager signed a massive $325 million, 10-year contract with the Rangers. His three-run blast in the fifth inning off Walker Buehler soared 422 feet and was clocked at 111 mph. It was Seager’s hardest-hit home run of the season and tied for the longest home run he has hit this year. Furthermore, this homer marked Seager's 60th at Dodger Stadium, placing him sixth among active players in home runs at the venue.
So far this season, Seager has hit 14 home runs. The Dodgers' faithful welcomed him warmly with a video tribute during Tuesday's series opener. Seager was the 2016 National League Rookie of the Year and the 2020 NL and World Series MVP with the Dodgers.
Encounter with the Crowd
After Seager's go-ahead homer on Wednesday, the crowd of 48,930 expressed their displeasure when he came up to bat again. This occurrence followed the warm reception he received the previous day. The mixed reaction from the crowd highlighted Seager's significant impact on his former team and its fanbase.
Return from Injury
Seager missed his fourth consecutive game due to a hamstring issue on Tuesday. However, he returned to the lineup as the designated hitter on Wednesday. Seager went 1-for-3 with a strikeout in his first game back. Rangers manager Bruce Bochy expressed relief and gratitude for Seager's return.
"It's good to have Corey back. We saw what he means to us. We missed him," Bochy stated. 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.
Crucial Victory
The Rangers held on for the victory when Dodgers rookie Andy Pages ran through a stop sign and was thrown out at the plate for the final out. This crucial win underscored the Rangers' resilience and Seager’s pivotal role in the lineup.
Seager himself acknowledged the mixed reception from the crowd, saying, "It kind of comes with the territory, I get it. I don't blame them."
In conclusion, Corey Seager’s return to Dodger Stadium was a momentous occasion, filled with both emotional and competitive elements. His performance, punctuated by a highly impactful home run, illustrated his enduring excellence and the high stakes of professional baseball. The Rangers will undoubtedly look to Seager as a key contributor as they navigate the rest of the season.