Seager's Comeback Homer Powers Rangers Past Guardians, 3-2

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Corey Seager ended a challenging stretch at the plate with a pivotal home run in his first game back for the Texas Rangers after a three-week absence, leading the team to a 3-2 victory against the Cleveland Guardians on Friday night. Seager's two-run blast in the sixth inning followed a double from Wyatt Langford, who returned from a right forearm strain that sidelined him for 39 games.

Seager had not recorded a hit in his last 29 at-bats, which marked the longest slump of his career, including 11 strikeouts. His return was significant as he had missed 19 games since May 13 due to lower back inflammation. The home run came just after Higashioka had put Texas on the board with a solo shot to lead off the same inning.

On the mound, Rangers' starter Kumar Rocker struck out five and surrendered two runs over five innings. Peyton Gray contributed 1 2/3 innings of relief, while Jacob Latz secured his ninth save with two scoreless innings.

For the Guardians, rookie Parker Messick had a strong start, retiring 15 of the first 16 batters, including 11 in a row, until Higashioka broke through. Austin Hedges had put Cleveland ahead 2-0 with an RBI single in the fourth, and Travis Bazzana showcased his skills with a leadoff home run and three hits overall.

The matchup continues Saturday as Tanner Bibee (0-7, 4.57 ERA) takes the mound for the Guardians, while Texas counters with Jack Leiter (3-4, 4.34), who aims for his third consecutive win.