The primary Houston Astros win of the season comes with the primary no-hitter of the 2024 MLB marketing campaign.
Ronel Blanco received Toronto Blue Jays All-Star Vladimir Guerrero to floor out to second base to throw his first profession no-hitter, a 105-pitch gem that led the way in which to a 10-0 victory.
Blanco’s solely blemishes within the field rating have been two walks, each of which went to George Springer, who walked for the second time earlier than Guerrero’s groundout sealed the no-hitter. He struck out seven Blue Jays as nicely.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Ronel Blanco #56 of the Houston Astros pitches within the first inning in opposition to the Toronto Blue Jays at Minute Maid Park on April 01, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Logan Riely/Getty Pictures)
What makes this much more spectacular is the truth that that is simply the 30-year-old Blanco’s eighth profession begin within the huge leagues.
For the Astros, it’s the seventeenth no-hitter in franchise historical past.
PHILLIES’ BRYCE HARPER FLIPS UPSIDE DOWN TRYING TO CATCH BALL IN DUGOUT
Blanco, a local of Santiago, Dominican Republic, has been within the Astros’ minor league system since 2016 as a 22-year-old. It took him awhile earlier than he received to the majors, which got here in 2022, although it wasn’t a ceremonious welcome.
Blanco owned a 7.11 ERA over seven appearances throughout that season, and he didn’t fare significantly better in 2023 with a 5.02 ERA over 17 video games (seven begins).
However after making the again finish of the Astros’ rotation popping out of spring coaching – Justin Verlander, Lance McCullers, Luis Garcia and Jose Urqidy all began the season on the IL – Blanco actually made one of the best of his first outing of the 12 months.
Yainer Diaz (L) #21 of the Houston Astros high-fives teammate Ronel Blanco #56 after ending the third inning in opposition to the Toronto Blue Jays at Minute Maid Park on April 01, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Logan Riely/Getty Pictures)
It additionally helped that Houston’s offense made it very simple for him to focus after padding the lead early with a three-run first inning because of Kyle Tucker’s two-run homer, his first of the 12 months, and Yainer Diaz’s solo shot proper after him.
Jeremy Peña would homer the next inning, and add a two-run single within the backside of the sixth as nicely. Jake Meyers additionally singled to left area within the backside of the fourth to attain Chaz McCormick.
And for good measure, Tucker hit his second homer of the season, a towering shot to proper heart for one more two runs, which Diaz as soon as once more adopted up with a solo shot, this time to proper area to get double-digit runs on the board.
It was an all-around dominant win for the Astros, and one which Blanco and the franchise will always remember.
Ronel Blanco #56 of the Houston Astros reacts after the tip of the eighth inning in opposition to the Toronto Blue Jays at Minute Maid Park on April 01, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Logan Riely/Getty Pictures)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The Astros at the moment are 1-4 on the season following their sweep by the hands of the New York Yankees, whereas the Blue Jays are 2-3.
Observe Fox Information Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
