Marcus Semien hit a two-run home run following a pitch that struck his helmet, and Adolis García successfully stole home plate as the Texas Rangers secured a 7-2 victory over the San Francisco Giants on Sunday, avoiding a series sweep by manager Bruce Bochy’s former team.
The game began with Giants starter Keaton Winn throwing a 94.5 mph fastball that knocked Semien’s helmet off his head, an unexpected and unsettling start. Despite the unsettling incident, Semien remained composed, stating he had no intention of reviewing the replay and expressing relief that he was unharmed. Following the hit-by-pitch, Semien managed to steal second base and eventually scored the first run of the game. In the second inning, Semien showcased his resilience by hitting a home run on the next pitch he faced, an 86.4 mph slider, extending Texas’ lead to 5-0.
Bochy acknowledged the tense moment, recognizing Semien’s ability to respond with a home run in his next at-bat, a pattern he had observed before. Nathan Eovaldi delivered a strong performance on the mound for Texas, pitching seven innings, his longest outing since April 3, and securing the win. Mike Yastrzemski contributed a home run for the Giants, who had won the first two games of the series against their former manager, Bochy, known for leading San Francisco to three World Series titles from 2010-2014.
The Rangers (31-34) clinched their first World Series title last season following Bochy’s return from a three-year retirement. Prior to this victory, they had suffered defeats in four of their previous five games, managing only five runs combined in those losses.
Winn (3-7) had been sidelined since exiting his start against the Los Angeles Dodgers on May 14 due to a right forearm strain. Despite striking out seven batters over 4 1/3 innings, the right-hander conceded seven runs on six hits, two walks, and hitting a batter.
Reflecting on hitting Semien with the first pitch, Winn admitted it had rattled him, acknowledging the unintentional nature of the incident. He expressed surprise at Semien’s aggressive approach during his subsequent at-bat.
Following Semien’s hit-by-pitch and a walk to Josh Smith, García, who had been struggling with an 0-for-16 slump, broke his streak with a solid single, loading the bases. Wyatt Langford then delivered a two-run single with two outs, followed by García scoring on a double steal.
García’s steal of home marked his third career instance and the first for Texas since his previous steal on Sept. 24, 2021.
Semien’s 11th home run of the season was his 19th time reaching base in 37 plate appearances across nine games since ending his consecutive games streak at 349. Despite missing the game on May 29, which ended his streak, it remains the only game he has missed in his three seasons with Texas.
Commenting on his home run, Semien expressed his intent to remain aggressive regardless of being hit by a pitch, stating he capitalized on a mistake with a pitch up in the zone.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Giants: 3B Matt Chapman (hamstring cramp) missed only his second game this season. “He’s a little banged up,” manager Bob Melvin said. Chapman experienced the cramp on a fielding play Saturday. … INF/OF Tyler Fitzgerald was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento to clear a roster spot for Winn.
Rangers: SS Corey Seager (left hamstring tightness) missed his third game in a row. Seager said before the game, without elaborating, that he felt fine. When asked if he’d be ready for the series opener Tuesday at the Los Angeles Dodgers, his former team, the two-time World Series MVP said he wasn’t sure.
UP NEXT
Giants: LHP Kyle Harrison (4-3, 4.18 ERA) is set to start against another AL West opponent when San Francisco opens a three-game series at home against Houston on Monday night.