ARLINGTON, Texas – Texas Rangers second baseman Marcus Semien remained in the game and scored a crucial run after being hit by a 94.6 mph fastball on the flap of his helmet during the third inning of Saturday night’s game against the Atlanta Braves.
Semien, unable to dodge Grant Holmes’ pitch, turned his head to avoid a direct impact to the face. Then, he twisted his body while grabbing the left side of his face, stumbling backward and finally falling on his back.
The third base coach, Tony Beasley, immediately ran towards Semien, while athletic trainer Matt Lucero and manager Bruce Bochy came out of the Rangers’ dugout.
After remaining on the ground for a moment while talking to Lucero, Semien stood up and then slowly walked towards first base. After a long conversation with the trainer and his manager, Semien remained in the game, even while rubbing his left cheek.
Holmes looked distressed as Semien was on the ground and received a visit from pitching coach Rick Kranitz, while the Rangers attended to their second baseman.
When play resumed, Holmes got to a 3-0 count against Adolis García, the next batter, including a wild pitch that allowed Corey Seager and Semien to advance a base. Both scored on García’s single to right, making the score 4-2.
Semien took the field when the Rangers returned to defense in the fourth inning and batted again in the bottom of the inning. That at-bat ended with him hitting his helmet after his hard hit up the middle deflected off Holmes and reached second baseman Ozzie Albies, resulting in an out that ended the inning with the bases loaded.
