Texas Rangers second baseman Marcus Semien (2) throws to first for an out during the sixth inning of game five in the ALCS against the Houston Astros. Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Rangers 2B Marcus Semien makes incredible diving stop, taking a run off the board in ALCS

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated Oct 20, 2023 7:18 PM ET

Trailing by a run, 2-1, late in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series, Texas Rangers second baseman Marcus Semien made an incredible, possibly game-saving grab, preventing a monster sixth inning from the Houston Astros.

Two batters after Astros first baseman Jose Abreu singled home the go-ahead run in a tie ballgame, an unbelievable diving stop by Semien ended the inning with runners on the corners and two out. Semien robbed Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena of a sure RBI, stretching to his right to make a stabbing grab before making a perfect throw to first.

Marcus Semien comes up clutch to get the @Rangers out of the inning! #ALCS pic.twitter.com/04SWwJkaYr
— MLB (@MLB) October 20, 2023

While the Astros walked away from the inning with the lead, Semien's massive play kept the Rangers' heads above water and paid dividends almost immediately. In the bottom half of the sixth, Adolis Garcia gave Texas the lead, smashing a three-run home run off starter Justin Verlander, giving the Rangers a 4-2 advantage.

Semien's defensive magic won't show up on the boxscore, but if the Rangers somehow get past the Astros and head to the World Series, it'll be a noteworthy play to look back on.

Mike Santa Barbara

Mike Santa Barbara is a Wilmington, Delaware native (Yes, it's a real place) with over a decade of sports writing experience. A diehard Philadelphia sports fan, he has two dogs named after Flyers and cried real tears when the Eagles won Super Bowl LII. You can follow him on X at @mike__sb

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