Rangers Edge Braves 6-5 in Extra Innings with Semien's Clutch Hit
In a nail-biting finish, Marcus Semien delivered a game-winning RBI single in the 10th inning, propelling the Texas Rangers to a 6-5 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Saturday night. This moment came just seven innings after Semien endured a 94.6 mph fastball to the helmet, showcasing his resilience.
Semien's decisive hit off Enyel De Los Santos (3-3) followed an intentional walk issued to Corey Seager, marking the Rangers' fifth consecutive win. The Braves had briefly taken a 5-4 lead in the ninth inning, thanks to Michael Harris II's impressive opposite-field triple and Sean Murphy's pinch-hit sacrifice fly.
Harris, who finished the night with a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate, also contributed significantly with an RBI double and a solo home run in the sixth inning that tied the game at four. His performance included scoring three times, further solidifying his impact on the game.
In the ninth, Josh Jung drew a one-out walk, and pinch-runner Sam Haggerty stole second base before scoring on Jonah Heim's double off closer Raisel Iglesias, who suffered his fifth blown save of the season.
The Rangers initially led 4-2 in the third inning, following a two-run single from Adolis García. This came right after Semien was struck on the ear flap of his helmet by a fastball from Grant Holmes, yet he remained in the game and later scored alongside Seager, who extended his on-base streak to 25 games—the longest active streak in Major League Baseball after Christian Yelich's ended at 30.
Shawn Armstrong (4-3), the fourth pitcher for Texas, closed out the game with two scoreless innings. Earlier, it appeared Atlanta had taken a 2-0 lead when Ozzie Albies singled in the first inning. However, Texas challenged the safe call for the second runner, and replay confirmed that Matt Olson's right leg was off the ground when tagged by catcher Heim.
The Rangers now hold a 4-5 record in extra-inning games, while the Braves are at 6-5. The series finale is set for Sunday, featuring Braves right-hander Bryce Elder (4-6) against Rangers rookie Jack Leiter (6-6, 4.27).
