Corey Seager's Triumphant Return to Dodger Stadium
Corey Seager made a victorious homecoming to Dodger Stadium on Wednesday night, delivering a crucial three-run homer that secured a 3-2 victory for the Texas Rangers against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
A Memorable Moment
This game marked Seager's first regular-season appearance at the famed venue since he departed the Dodgers as a free agent in 2021. Seager, who signed a staggering $325 million, 10-year contract with the Rangers, demonstrated his value with one swing of the bat.
In the fifth inning, with the Rangers trailing, Seager launched a three-run blast off Walker Buehler. The home run, which traveled 422 feet and was clocked at an impressive 111 mph, was Seager's hardest-hit homer of the season. The shot also tied for the longest home run he has hit this year and marked his 60th career homer at Dodger Stadium.
Joining the Ranks
This latest home run places Seager sixth among active players in home runs at Dodger Stadium. So far this season, Seager has hit 14 home runs, displaying the power and consistency that made him such a sought-after player in free agency.
A Warm Welcome and a Mixed Reception
The Dodgers' fans showed their appreciation for Seager's contributions to the team with a heartfelt 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, received a warm welcome initially.
However, after Seager's go-ahead homer on Wednesday night, the crowd of 48,930 expressed their displeasure as he stepped to the plate again later in the game. Seager remained unfazed, acknowledging the mixed reactions, "It kind of comes with the territory, I get it. I don't blame them."
A Timely Return
Seager had missed four consecutive games due to a hamstring issue before returning to the lineup as the designated hitter on Wednesday. In his first game back, Seager went 1-for-3 with a strikeout, making his presence felt in a significant way.
Rangers manager Bruce Bochy expressed his 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."
Looking Ahead
Seager is expected to continue serving as the designated hitter for the series finale on Thursday. The Rangers are taking a cautious approach to manage Seager's hamstring issue to ensure his continued contribution to the team's success.
A Dramatic Conclusion
The game concluded with a dramatic defensive play by the Rangers, as Dodgers rookie Andy Pages ran through a stop sign and was thrown out at the plate for the final out, sealing the Rangers' victory.
Moving forward, the Rangers hope to build on this momentum and manage Seager's health carefully to maximize their chances of success this season.
Quotes
Bruce Bochy expressed his feelings about Seager's return, saying, "It's good to have Corey back. We saw what he means to us. We missed him."
Corey Seager, reflecting on the reception from Dodger fans, stated, "It kind of comes with the territory, I get it. I don't blame them."