The first Houston Astros win of the 2024 MLB season also featured the first no-hitter of the campaign, with pitcher Ronel Blanco shutting down the Toronto Blue Jays in a 10-0 victory. Blanco, in just his eighth career start in the majors, threw a 105-pitch gem, striking out seven batters and only allowing two walks, both to George Springer. The final out came when All-Star Vladimir Guerrero grounded out to second base, sealing Blanco’s first career no-hitter and the 17th in Astros franchise history.
Blanco, a native of Santiago, Dominican Republic, has been in the Astros’ minor league system since 2016 before making his major league debut in 2022. Despite struggling with high ERAs in his first two seasons, Blanco earned a spot in the rotation for the start of the 2024 season due to injuries to other pitchers. With strong offensive support from his teammates, including home runs from Kyle Tucker, Yainer Diaz, and Jeremy Peña, Blanco was able to dominate the Blue Jays and secure the historic no-hitter.
The Astros’ offense set the tone early in the game, scoring three runs in the first inning with a two-run homer from Tucker and a solo shot from Diaz. They continued to add runs throughout the game, with Peña contributing a two-run single and Tucker hitting his second home run of the game. The dominant performance from the team, combined with Blanco’s stellar pitching, made for a memorable and historic win for the Astros.
Following a sweep at the hands of the New York Yankees, the Astros improved to a record of 1-4 on the season, while the Blue Jays fell to 2-3. Blanco’s no-hitter was a bright spot for a team that had struggled in the early part of the season, providing a much-needed boost to morale and momentum. The victory, coupled with the impressive offensive display, showcased the Astros’ potential and set the stage for an exciting season ahead.
Blanco’s journey from the minor leagues to achieving a no-hitter in the MLB is a testament to his dedication and perseverance as a pitcher. Despite early struggles in his career, Blanco continued to work hard and improve his game, ultimately reaching a significant milestone in the form of a no-hitter. His performance against the Blue Jays solidified his place in Astros history and earned him recognition as a rising star in the league.
As the season progresses, Blanco’s no-hitter will be remembered as a standout moment for the Astros and a turning point in their 2024 campaign. The team will look to build on this success and continue to showcase their talent both on the mound and at the plate. With strong pitching, solid offense, and renewed confidence, the Astros are poised to make a statement in the league and compete for a playoff spot. Fans can look forward to more exciting moments and memorable performances from Blanco and the rest of the team as they strive for success in the season ahead.
