The Texas Rangers took the World Series for the first time ever this past week. They played the Arizona Diamondbacks, and took home the prize in the fifth game. Game one was on October 27 with the Rangers winning 5 - 6. The Diamondbacks took the second game, 9 - 1 on October 28, leaving fans to think that the World Series would reach the standard seven-game format.
The Rangers fought back andwongamesthreeandfour with scores of 3 - 1 and 11 - 7, respectively. The Rangers clinched the win, 5 - 0, in the fifth game on November 1.
Two Texas Rangers pitchers maybeplayingforaTexas team, but their roots are in Oklahoma.
Jonathan Gray was born November 5, 1991 in Shawnee, Okla. He attended and pitched for Eastern Oklahoma State University. Later, he transferred to the University of Oklahoma and played for the Sooners. He was named the Big 12 Conference Pitcher of the Week three times during his junior year. His other accolades include Big 12 Conference All-American, Most Outstanding Player of the 2013 Big 12 Conference baseball tournament and National Pitcher of the Year award.
Gray signed with the Colorado Rockies in 2013 and debuted in 2014. December 2021, Gray signed with the Texas Rangers. His debut was riddled with injuries. Eventually, he was able to show his talents. He pitched three scoreless innings in relief in Game 3 of the World Series, assisting with the win.
Andrew Heaney is another Ranger who hails from Oklahoma.HewasbornJune 5, 1991 in Oklahoma City. He attended and played for Oklahoma State University. He was named the 2012 Big 12 Conference Baseball Pitcher of the Year. He also received a unanimous vote to be selected as a first-team All-American by Baseball America, Collegiate Baseball, the American Baseball Coaches Association and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association.
Heaney signed with the Miami Marlins in 2012, and debuted in 2014. In 2014, he was traded to the Los Angeles Angels. He played with the Marlins till 2021, then seemed to shop around a little. He played with the New York Yankees in 2021, the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2022, then landed a twoyear contract with the Texas Rangers in 2022.
Heaney recorded nine consecutive strikeouts in a gameagainsttheKansasCity Royals on April 10, 2023. This tied the American League record and set the franchise record.