Ronel Blanco surprisingly pitched a no-hitter in their recent game with Toronto Blue Jays, helping his team win with a record of 10-0 in this year’s MLB season. With four of the Astros starting pitchers sidelined due to injuries, Blanco had successfully led Houston with remarkable efficiency.
For the record, Blanco shut down the Toronto offensive with 105 pitches and seven strikeouts against the Blue Jays.
The Astros reported that Blanco threw four curveballs, thirty-one fastballs, thirty-four sliders, and thirty-six changeups. Throughout the game, he forced 59 swings, forcing 20 misses, half of which came on his changeup. More so, Blanco recorded his last out after forcing Toronto slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to ground out to second baseman Mauricio Dubón.
Blanco’s benefit
With this achievement, the 17th no-hitter in Astros history has been achieved. It was truly an unforgettable day for Blanco, who made the most out of the injuries of fellow Astros pitchers Luis Garcia, Lance McCullers Jr., Justin Verlander, and José Urquidy. In just his third major league season, Blanco accomplished this incredible success.
In an interview, Blanco stated: “It’s been a very long road traveled for me, a lot of ups and downs – a lot of falls and me getting back up…But I think all of that has been worth it for me to be able to get to this moment.”
Moreover, after opening the 2024 season with four defeats to the New York Yankees, Blanco’s effort was crucial for the Astros as it enabled Houston to secure its first victory of the year. The victory was also first-year Astros manager Espada’s first win in his new position.
“His journey, he’s in front of his family. His mom is here, and to do that in front of the people that love him and support him, it makes it even that much more special,” Espada expressed towards Blanco.
Cover Photo: IG
Source: CNN
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