Corey Seager's Triumphant Return to Dodger Stadium
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.
A Star Returns
Seager signed a massive $325 million, 10-year contract with the Rangers, and his performance on Wednesday showcased just why he was worth the investment. Seager’s three-run blast in the fifth inning off Walker Buehler soared 422 feet and was clocked at 111 mph. This home run was Seager's hardest-hit home run of the season and tied for the longest home run he has hit this year.
Historic Homer
The homer marked Seager's 60th at Dodger Stadium, placing him sixth among active players in home runs at the stadium. So far this season, Seager has hit 14 home runs. The Dodgers' faithful welcomed Seager warmly with a video tribute during Tuesday's series opener, a fitting recognition for the player who was the 2016 National League Rookie of the Year and the 2020 NL and World Series MVP with the Dodgers.
Mixed Reactions
Despite the warm reception, after Seager's go-ahead homer on Wednesday, the crowd of 48,930 expressed their displeasure when he came up to bat again. It was a stark reminder of the mixed emotions that fans often experience when a beloved player returns in a rival jersey.
Overcoming Setbacks
Seager had missed his fourth consecutive game due to a hamstring issue on Tuesday. He returned to the lineup as the designated hitter on Wednesday, going 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.
Securing the Victory
The Rangers held on for the victory thanks to some last-minute heroics on defense. Dodgers rookie Andy Pages ran through a stop sign and was thrown out at the plate for the final out, sealing the Rangers' 3-2 win. Reflecting on the outcome of the game, Seager remarked, "It kind of comes with the territory, I get it. I don't blame them," acknowledging the mixed reactions from the fans.
Overall, Seager's return to Dodger Stadium was a memorable one, highlighting his value to the Rangers and his lasting legacy with the Dodgers. It was a night where the past and present intersected in dramatic fashion, leaving fans with plenty to talk about.