Semien leads the AL in hits, runs scored
Marcus Semien is at the top of the Texas Rangers lineup every game, and always impressing the American League hitting leader who bats right after him.
“Just the consistency,” said Rangers shortstop and No. 2 hitter Corey Seager, who himself has 30 home runs and a league-best .336 batting average. “He doesn’t really have bad at-bats.”
Semien just became only the fourth player in the majors this season to twice have a four-hit game that included two homers. Both came in a span of four games ahead of a huge series between AL wild-card contenders that started Monday night, when the Rangers played in Toronto against the all-star second baseman’s former team.
Going into the opener of that four-game series against the Blue Jays, Semien was among only six players in the majors to appear in every one of his team’s games — with Seattle third baseman Eugenio Suarez the only other AL player to do it. Semien was hitting .281 with 24 homers and 87 RBIS while leading the AL with 166 hits and 109 runs scored.
“My swing feels good. I always work to make sure my eyes are looking in the right spots and my swing is in a good place,” Semien said. “When both are good, usually it’s better for me.”
And for the Rangers, who are trying for their first winning season and playoff appearance since 2016.
Both of Semien’s homers Sunday, a week before his 33rd birthday, came on the first pitch. So did his leadoff homer off three-time Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander last Wednesday.
“I just want to get a strike early,” Semien said. “There’s been years past when I was a little bit too patient on the first pitches and I got behind. So just trying to get something I can drive.”