Andrew Heaney ties American League record with nine consecutive strikeouts
Even if you are a diehard baseball fan, there probably were not too high of expectations for the Kansas City Royals visiting the Texas Rangers on Monday. Now, it’s probably one of the most noteworthy games of the night, with American League history being tied by starting pitcher Andrew Heaney.
While it’s early in the season, Kansas City is below average when it comes to striking out. Heading into Monday, they ranked 18th in baseball at 8.9 Ks per game. Unfortunately for them, Heaney was able to surpass that average to end the third inning. And then with his first batter of the fourth inning, Heaney tied an American League record.
Nine consecutive Royals hitters came to the box and all nine struck out. Were it not for a Vinnie Pasquantino walk and a fielding error in the first inning, Heany would have set the American League record. An impressive start from the Rangers’ new signing.
Two others had previously been able to strike out nine consecutive batters, both coming from the Detroit Tigers. Doug Fister did so against Kansas City back in 2012, while Tyler Alexander sat down nine consecutive Cincinnati Reds in August of 2020.
Overall, Heany pitched 5.0 complete innings, throwing 10 strikeouts. He was not charged with an earned run but gave up one on two hits and two walks. People in Texas could certainly get used to that statline.
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Andrew Heaney breaks Nolan Ryan’s club record
While tying the American League record is more impressive, Heaney also now holds the Texas Rangers record alone. He surpassed a Hall of Famer and franchise legend to do so, Nolan Ryan. Surpassing Ryan in any kind of pitching statistic will certainly open the eyes of people in Texas.
“Andrew Heaney has fanned 8 consecutive batters through the 3rd inning setting a club record for successive k’s in one game,” Texas Rangers Executive Vice President of Public Affairs John Blake said. “Nolan Ryan fanned 7 straight Angels on 7/7/91 at Arlington Stadium.”
Heaney is a product of Oklahoma State, being a former first-round pick of the Miami Marlins. He is in his first season with Texas and making just his second start with the ball club. Quite the impression is being made with his nine consecutive strikeouts and 10 Ks in total. Those in attendance will just be bummed Heaney could not have the AL record all to himself.