2 Studs (and 1 Dud) From Rangers' Game 3 Win Over Diamondbacks

Stud: Jon Gray

Unfortunately, this was the second straight Max Scherzer start to end much quicker than anticipated. While he was pulled in Game 7 of the ALCS due to performance issues, this time the veteran was forced to exit due to a back injury after just 3.0 innings.

Scherzer's removal could've been the kind of moment that altered the contest. After all, he was solid to begin the game, allowing just two hits and recording a strikeout.

However, Jon Gray answered the call.

Gray was phenomenal in relief of Scherzer, eating up another 3.0 innings to set up Texas' bullpen to close things out. He held the Diamondbacks to just one hit while racking up three K's. Even better, 25 of Gray's 30 pitches were strikes, as he continually put the pressure on Arizona's hitters and they simply had no answers.

The almost 32-year-old has played a critical role in Texas' World Series showing so far. He recorded another four strikeouts in just 1.2 innings in Game 1 as well, while giving up just one hit again and zero earned runs.

Gray continuing to bring his best stuff in key moments will give the Rangers a serious edge down the stretch of this series.