Kyle Higashioka made a notable return to Petco Park, receiving a warm welcome from San Diego Padres fans during his first game back since signing with the Texas Rangers in the offseason. However, his second game proved to be even more impressive as he led the Rangers to a 7-4 victory on Saturday night, showcasing his skills with a season-high three hits and driving in five runs, an achievement he has now reached twice this season.
In a standout performance, Higashioka became the first player in Texas Rangers history to record five RBIs along with a stolen base in a single game as a catcher. His offensive contributions included a two-run home run that gave the Rangers a 3-2 lead in the third inning, a run-scoring single in the fourth, a sacrifice fly in the sixth, and another single in the eighth for his fifth RBI.
Rangers manager Bruce Bochy expressed pride in Higashioka’s performance, highlighting his previous success with the Padres and noting his improvement at the plate. The 35-year-old catcher spent last season in San Diego, where he hit a career-high 17 home runs before signing a two-year, $13.5 million contract with the Rangers.
Higashioka’s earlier struggles, particularly against fastballs, appeared to be behind him as he thrived in July, going 4 for 7 with two extra base hits in his first two games this month. He emphasized the importance of hitting fastballs, stating, “Everything revolves around hitting the fastball.”
Alongside Higashioka’s standout performance, outfielder Wyatt Langford made an impact in his return from the injured list, drawing a crucial walk that contributed to offensive rallies, helping the Rangers secure the victory.
Higashioka’s return to form and the combined offensive effort from the Rangers are hopeful indicators as the season progresses, suggesting that both the player and the team are on an upward trajectory.