In simply the fourth recreation of the season, in his eighth profession begin, Dominican pitcher Ronel Blanco simply pitched the first no-hitter within the 2024 MLB season because the Astros dismantled the Toronto Blue Jays 10-0, with Blanco going all the way in which at Minute Maid Park on April’s fools day.
Blanco’s no-hitter marks a major milestone in MLB historical past. He turns into the tenth Dominican pitcher to realize this feat, including to the wealthy legacy of Dominican baseball.
It is also the seventeenth no-hitter in franchise historical past for the Houston Astros, with the final one occurring lower than a yr in the past, when Framber Valdez completed the identical in opposition to the Cleveland Guardians on August 1, 2023.
Blanco’s efficiency was nothing in need of distinctive. He was simply two walks away from an ideal recreation, placing out seven batters. His solely problem got here from George Springer, who managed to attract two walks in opposition to him. This show of management and talent is a testomony to Blanco’s expertise.
A traditional underdog story for Ronel Blanco
Ronel Blanco’s story is the last word underdog story, as he did not make his debut within the Large Leagues till 2022 at 28 years outdated, as he simply made the energetic roster because of the Astros accidents, along with his mom Mara current at Minute Maid Park to witness his son make historical past.
Within the ninth inning, the 30-year-old Dominican pitcher effortlessly managed the sport with out relying closely on his protection. Nevertheless, with one out left, Cavan Biggio hit a floor ball to the appropriate aspect. First baseman Jose Abreu made a outstanding diving cease to his proper and, whereas nonetheless on the bottom, threw to Blanco, who was masking first base, securing an important out.
The Astros offense got here to play, as Kyle Tucker and Yainer Diaz every homered twice to offer the offense on this recreation, as Houston received their first recreation of the season after being swept by the Yankees on the opening sequence of the season. Joe Espada grew to become the primary supervisor in main league historical past to get his first win in a no-hitter.
