The rivalry between the Texas Rangers and Houston Astros went to another level on Wednesday night at Minute Maid Park.
In the top of the third inning, Rangers star Marcus Semien was unhappy after getting hit by a 95 mph fastball from Astros pitcher Framber Valdez.
Tensions had been building from Semien’s two previous plate appearances.
He was clearly upset after being hit by a pitch in the third inning pic.twitter.com/UDUfZMlPVx
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) July 27, 2023
And in the top of the fourth inning, Semien homered off Valdez. Semien stared down Valdez and offered some words as he rounded the bases.
And hit a home run in the fourth. pic.twitter.com/FELGvzWtLw
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) July 27, 2023
Well, in the top of the fifth, things really got heated. The Rangers’ Adolis García hit a grand slam, and before he finished rounding the bases, there was already drama at home plate.
Semien was a baserunner on the homer, scoring from third base. He proceeded to get into it with Houston catcher Martín Maldonado. That led to the benches clearing, and ultimately resulted in Semien and Maldonado being ejected from the game.
Rangers 2B Marcus Semien and Astros C Martín Maldonado have both been ejected.
Semien scored from third on a grand slam from Adolis García and got into an argument with Maldonado. Which caused the benches to clear. pic.twitter.com/AlO4ySHPOA
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) July 27, 2023
After the game, Semien spoke to the media about the drama:
Marcus Semien speaks to the media about tonight’s Rangers-Astros drama. 🔥pic.twitter.com/xYldHbZ0WB
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) July 27, 2023
The Rangers came away with a 13-5 victory to take a two-game lead over the Astros in the AL West.
About Matt Clapp
Matt is an editor/writer at The Comeback and Awful Announcing.
He can be reached by email at mclapp@thecomeback.com.