"2024 Walker Buehler doesn’t count"; "That was personal" - Dodgers fans torn as Corey Seager launches first homer at Dodger Stadium in Rangers jersey
The Texas Rangers edged the Los Angeles Dodgers in a hard-fought game on Wednesday. Dodgers fans had mixed emotions during the game as it was former Dodger Corey Seager who helped the Rangers to a series-leveling win.
The two-time World Series MVP returned to the Rangers lineup after missing four games due to a hamstring injury. It was his first regular season game at Dodger Stadium since leaving for the Texas Rangers on a record-breaking $325 million deal in 2021.
Seager got a hold of Walker Buelher's pitch in the top of the fifth inning to launch a 422-foot three-run home run deep into right field. His go-ahead moonshot evoked boos from Dodgers fans at the ballpark.
Many fans lashed out at Walker Buehler's underwhelming pitching. While others felt nostalgic for Seager's return.
"Off 2024 Walker Buehler, doesn’t count," lashed out one fan.
"Nice competetive pitch there Walker. T balls have better locaation then that. Christ." another fan added.
"That was personal," wrote another fan.
"My Goat," a fan wrote.
"Miss him," another Dodgers fan wrote.
"Smoked it," a fan added.
Corey Seager was a first-round draft pick by the Dodgers and the talented slugger repaid the faith of the organization after being named the NL Rookie of the Year in 2016.
He helped the Dodgers end their World Series drought in a covid-hit 2020 postseason, winning the NLCS and World Series MVP titles during his team's triumphant run.
Corey Seager's home run helps Rangers to a dramatic win
The Los Angeles Dodgers thumped the reigning World Series champions 15-2 in the first game of the series. It seemed like the Dodgers' offense was going to replicate the same performance on Wednesday when superstar slugger Shohei Ohtani dispatched a solo home run off Jon Gray in the first inning to give the hosts an early lead.
However, the home team failed to capitalize on their opportunities and gave the Rangers a chance to come back in the game, which they did via Corey Seager's three-run effort in the fifth.
Just when it looked like the Rangers would cross the finish line, the game produced a thrilling moment in the bottom ninth as Jason Heyward's base hit with runners in scoring position nearly saw the Dodgers level the game. But the relay work by the Rangers saw Andy Pages tagged out by catcher Jonah Heim in an attempt to drive in the tying run, ending the game in a 3-2 win for the Rangers.