For the second time in the 2024 MLB season, Houston Astros pitcher Ronel Blanco posted a hitless start. The 30-year-old Blanco could have also recorded his second no-hitter this season alone had he been allowed by Houston manager Joe Espada to continue painting his pitching masterpiece during Sunday's 4-1 win against the Detroit Tigers at home. Blanco was replaced after seven innings, thus losing a chance to complete an incredibly rare feat in the big leagues.
Espada's decision to replace Blanco wasn't exactly a popular one, especially among the fans, but he made sure that he gave the right-hander his flowers when the two talked about the skipper's move.
“I just told him how proud I am of what he's doing,” Espada said, per the Associated Press (h/t ESPN). “This is a guy that came out of nowhere and he continues to perform at a high level. He has really picked his team up through injuries and he goes out there and he does things we need him to do.”
Blanco had allowed zero earned runs and no hits while issuing three walks and striking out eighth Tigers batters through seven innings and 96 pitches before he was replaced by Astros reliever Ryan Pressly.
Espada hinted that he could have left Blanco on the mound longer than he did if the pitcher had a more efficient start.
“But did I want him to be more efficient earlier and give him a shot? One hundred percent,” Espada noted.
Blanco also seemed to be understand Espada's reasoning.
“I threw a lot of pitches and I wasn't going to be able to finish it,” Blanco shared. “So, I just accepted it.”
So far in the 2024 campaign, Blanco, who threw a no-hitter back in April against the Toronto Blue Jays, has a 7-2 record to go with a 2.43 ERA and 0.97 WHIP through 13 starts.
As for the Astros, they improved to 33-39. They still have a lot of catching up to do in the American League West where they are nine games behind the division-leading Seattle Mariners.
Fans react to Ronel Blanco's incredible start in Astros vs. the Tigers
Blanco had baseball fans on social media going wild after his sensational performance against the Tigers. These are just some of the many comments people have made about Blanco and his incredible showing (and Espada's decision) on the mound:
“My little dude doing his thing! First ballot HOF incoming!”
“Big time pitching performance 7 no-hit innings by Ronel Blanco. What a game.”
“His no hitters will come. Superb 7 innings!”
“He’s #Relentless and I’m so proud him @roneldjblanco”
“RONEL BLANCO IS HIM, and his team is not even healthy watch out this team can go on a winning streak but Ronel Blanco is saving their season LFG”
“Astros player randomly turns incredible out of nowhere? Interesting…”
“Baseball managers in 2024 need some serious shame. How do you pull a guy going for his second no hitter after 7 innings. Managing malpractice”
“Great win. Happy for Blanco, nice way to end the series!! #Relentless”
“On Father’s Day, Ronel Blanco has a no-hitter through seven innings. He has already thrown one no-hitter this year. #Relentless”
“So should Ronel Blanco be an All-Star?”
“Over 30% of the #Astros’ wins so far this year have been in games where Ronel Blanco starts. He has kept the season afloat. He should be sent to the All Star Game.”
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