Houston Astros pitcher Ronel Blanco threw the 17th no-hitter in franchise history in his first start of 2024 and eighth start of his career. Blanco’s achievement was made even more remarkable by the fact that he only needed 105 pitches to complete the feat. His no-hitter was the Astros’ first since Framber Valdez accomplished the feat in August 2023 and is also notable for being the earliest no-hitter (by date) in MLB history, according to OptaSTATS. Blanco’s unexpected performance came at a crucial time for the Astros, who were looking to bounce back from a recent four-game sweep by the New York Yankees.
Blanco, a 30-year-old pitcher from the Dominican Republic, signed with the Astros for $5,000 as a 22-year-old and had a modest 2-1 season in 2023 with a 4.50 ERA. Monday’s no-hitter was only Blanco’s eighth start in the major leagues, with previous appearances in 17 games last season and seven in his rookie year of 2022. Throughout the game, Blanco demonstrated excellent command, needing just 50 pitches to get through the first four innings. The Astros bullpen did not see any action until Blanco walked George Springer in the ninth inning. Blanco’s defense also played a crucial role in preserving the no-hit bid in the eighth and ninth innings, with key plays made by Mauricio Dubón and José Abreu.
In addition to Blanco’s pitching performance, the Astros’ offense contributed to the team’s success by hitting five home runs in the game. Kyle Tucker and Yainer Diaz each hit two home runs, while Jeremy Peña added a solo homer in the second inning to end a long home run drought. The win was also significant for Astros manager Joe Espada, who secured his first win on a no-hitter. The Astros’ victory with Blanco’s no-hitter provided a much-needed boost to the team after a challenging series against the New York Yankees, showcasing the resilience and talent of the players on the field.
Overall, Ronel Blanco’s historic no-hitter for the Houston Astros marked a significant achievement for the pitcher and the franchise, adding to the team’s rich history of no-hitters. Blanco’s performance, coming in just his eighth career start, highlights his skill and potential as a pitcher for the Astros. The combination of Blanco’s pitching prowess, strong defensive plays, and powerful offense propelled the Astros to an impressive victory and showcased the team’s ability to come together and perform at a high level under pressure. The no-hitter not only made MLB history but also served as a turning point for the Astros, providing momentum and confidence as they continue their season.
