On April 1, 2024, Ronel Blanco of the Houston Astros didn’t disappoint in his season debut. The team’s No. 5 pitcher in the starting rotation delivered a remarkable performance, throwing a no-hitter against the Toronto Blue Jays, marking the franchise’s 17th such achievement and coming precisely nine months after Framber Valdez’s no-hitter.
Facing off against Toronto in the opener of a three-game series, the 30-year-old right-hander from the Dominican Republic showcased his prowess, striking out seven Blue Jays batters. Former Astros star George Springer, now playing for Toronto, was the only baserunner, drawing two walks in the game. Blanco retired 26 consecutive batters on 105 pitches.
Blanco received ample support from his teammates, as Houston scored 10 runs, including two home runs by Kyle Tucker. Blanco induced 12 groundouts and eight fly outs during the game.
This historic no-hitter came in Blanco’s eighth start in the majors and also marked manager Joe Espada’s first MLB managerial victory. Additionally, Blanco’s achievement ensured the Astros’ third consecutive season with a no-hitter.
Notably, Blanco’s no-hitter is the earliest in Astros history, surpassing Ken Forsch’s no-hitter on April 7, 1979.
Blanco, originally an injury replacement in the starting rotation, filled a crucial role in the absence of key pitchers such as Justin Verlander, Luis Garcia, Jose Urquidy, and Lance McCullers.
The Astros celebrated Blanco’s outstanding performance, highlighting the alignment of all factors leading to this historic moment.
