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.
Return to Iconic Venue
This game marked Seager's first regular-season appearance at the iconic venue since his departure as a free agent in 2021. Having signed a massive $325 million, 10-year contract with the Rangers, Seager's journey from the Dodgers to the Rangers has been a significant one.
Impressive Performance
In the fifth inning, Seager's three-run blast off Walker Buehler soared 422 feet and was clocked at 111 mph, showcasing his power and precision. This home run stands as Seager's hardest-hit of the season, and it tied for the longest he has hit this year. The shot also marked Seager's 60th at Dodger Stadium, placing him sixth among active players in home runs at this venue. So far this season, Seager has hit a total of 14 home runs, affirming his consistent performance.
Warm Welcome from Dodgers' Faithful
The Dodgers' faithful welcomed Seager warmly with a video tribute during Tuesday's series opener. Seager, the 2016 National League Rookie of the Year and the 2020 NL and World Series MVP with the Dodgers, has left an indelible mark on the team and its fanbase. However, after Seager's go-ahead homer on Wednesday, the crowd of 48,930 expressed their displeasure when he came up to bat again later in the game.
Recovery and Cautious Management
Seager missed his fourth consecutive game due to a hamstring issue on Tuesday, but he made his return to the lineup as the designated hitter on Wednesday. In his first game back, Seager went 1-for-3 with a strikeout. Rangers manager Bruce Bochy expressed relief and gratitude for Seager's return, saying, "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.
Crucial Win for the Rangers
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, securing the 3-2 win. Seager's performance and the team's resilience highlighted the Rangers' determination to succeed.
Quotes
"It's good to have Corey back. We saw what he means to us. We missed him." - Bruce Bochy
"It kind of comes with the territory, I get it. I don't blame them." - Corey Seager