Arlington, TX – Ronel Blanco’s impressive performance on the mound for the Houston Astros continued on Sunday evening at Globe Life Field, solidifying his place in the team’s rotation for the foreseeable future.
After an extraordinary no-hitter against the Toronto Blue Jays earlier in the week, Blanco showcased his prowess once again, holding the Texas Rangers hitless until the sixth inning. Despite ultimately conceding a hit in the sixth, Blanco’s stellar pitching propelled the Astros to a 3-1 victory over the Rangers.
Blanco’s dominance was evident from the outset, as he kept the Rangers’ batters at bay until facing his 51st opponent of the season. His remarkable streak of 44 consecutive outs without allowing a hit marks a historic achievement in the expansion era, dating back to 1961. This feat places Blanco second only to Mike Scott’s 51 consecutive outs during his National League Cy Young-winning season in 1986 in Astros’ history.
Reflecting on his success, Blanco attributed his achievements to relentless hard work, stating, “I’m a believer [that] the hard work you do is going to pay off at some time or another.” His confidence and dedication have undoubtedly paid dividends for the Astros, cementing his position as a formidable force on the mound.
While Blanco’s bid for another no-hitter was thwarted in the sixth inning by a clean single from Adolis García, the Astros’ offense provided ample support. Yordan Alvarez’s three-run homer in the third inning proved decisive, securing Houston’s first road win of the 2024 season. The efforts of relief pitchers Rafael Montero, Ryan Pressly, and Josh Hader ensured Blanco’s stellar start did not go to waste, sealing the victory for the Astros.
As Blanco continues to impress with his consistent performances, he has undoubtedly become a pivotal asset for the Houston Astros, bolstering their prospects for success in the season ahead.
