Watch: Marcus Semien's First Home Run of Texas Rangers Season

Marcus Semien drilled an opposite-field shot off of Philadelphia Phillies starter Zach Wheeler in the first inning.
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Texas Rangers second baseman Marcus Semien hit his first home run of the 2023 season leading off the bottom of the first against the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday at Globe Life Field. 

Semien stepped in against Phillies starter Zach Wheeler after Rangers starter Nathan Eovaldi held Philadelphia scoreless in the top of the first.

Semien took a ball from Wheeler and then took the next pitch, a 96-mph fastball, to the opposite field and into the Rangers dugout in right. 

The Rangers (1-0) were up 2-0 going into the second inning.

Semien started the season on Opening Day on Thursday by going 2-for-5 with a run scored in the 11-7 win over the Phillies

Semien batted .248/.304/.429/.733 with 101 runs, 31 doubles, five triples, 26 home runs, 83 RBI and 25 steals in 2022. He was also a finalist for a Gold Glove at second base.

He's now in the second year of the seven-year, $175 million contract signed with Texas before last season.

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Matthew Postins
MATTHEW POSTINS

Matthew Postins is an award-winning sports journalist who covers the Texas Rangers for Fan Nation/SI and also writes about the Houston Astros, Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies. He also covers the Big 12 for HeartlandCollegeSports.com.