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. Having signed a massive $325 million, 10-year contract with the Rangers, Seager's return was overshadowed by excitement and anticipation.
Seager's Heroic Moment
In the fifth inning, facing Walker Buehler, Seager unleashed a 422-foot blast that exited the bat at an astonishing 111 mph. This home run not only turned the tide in favor of the Rangers but also marked Seager's hardest-hit home run of the season. Matching his longest homer of the year, the shot symbolized Seager's enduring power and skill.
The significance of this homer went beyond just the distance. It marked Seager's 60th career home run at Dodger Stadium, placing him sixth among active players in home runs at this venue. So far this season, Seager has amassed 14 home runs, continuing to showcase his prowess as a formidable hitter.
A Warm Welcome Turns Sour
The Dodgers' faithful welcomed Seager warmly with a video tribute during Tuesday's series opener, celebrating his stellar contributions to the team over the years. Seager was the 2016 National League Rookie of the Year and the 2020 NL and World Series MVP with the Dodgers. However, after his go-ahead homer on Wednesday, the crowd of 48,930 showed their displeasure when he came up to bat again—a testament to the high stakes and fierce loyalty of baseball fans.
Return from Injury
Seager's return to the lineup came after missing four consecutive games due to a hamstring issue. On Wednesday, he served as the designated hitter, 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. His performance and physical condition will be crucial for the Rangers as they push through the rest of the season.
The Thrilling Conclusion
The game reached a heart-pounding finale when the Rangers held on for victory, courtesy of an unexpected blunder by Dodgers rookie Andy Pages. Pages, in a moment of overzealousness, ran through a stop sign and was promptly thrown out at the plate for the final out. This dramatic ending encapsulated the tension and excitement of the matchup, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
Quotes
In the aftermath of the game, both Seager and Bochy reflected on the circumstances. Bochy noted the significance of Seager's return, emphasizing the impact he has on the team. "It's good to have Corey back," Bochy said. "We saw what he means to us. We missed him."
Meanwhile, Seager, understanding the mixed reactions from the crowd, commented, "It kind of comes with the territory, I get it. I don't blame them."
As the series continues, Seager's performance and health will remain pivotal for the Rangers, while Dodgers fans wrestle with seeing a former hero play for the opposition. However, one thing is clear: Corey Seager's impact on the game and his undeniable talent continue to create memorable moments in Major League Baseball.