The Houston Astros recently celebrated their first victory of the 2024 regular season under new manager Joe Espada, a win that came with an impressive distinction. The team's starting pitcher, Rodel Blanco, registered a no-hitter – the first of the year in Major League Baseball (MLB) – during Houston's 10-0 triumph over the Toronto Blue Jays. The game was held at Minute Maid Park on April 1 and was attended by 27,285 spectators.
According to an MLB.com report, this no-hitter is the 17th in Astros franchise history. The same report highlights Blanco's remarkable journey to this moment. Over a decade ago, the now 30-year-old Blanco was working part-time at a car wash in his native Dominican Republic to support his mother, who had the opportunity to witness her son's extraordinary achievement.
MLB.com further reported that Blanco, initially signed by Houston for $5,000, walked two Toronto hitters and collected seven strikeouts during the game. After scoring a total of 12 runs in their season-opening series against the New York Yankees, the Astros amassed 10 runs against their Canadian guests. Right fielder Kyle Tucker, catcher Yanier Diaz, and shortstop Jeremy Peña contributed five homeruns combined to this scoreline; Tucker and Diaz each blasted two.
KTRK News, a Houston ABC affiliate, reported that the last time the Astros achieved a no-hitter was on August 1, 2023 when Framber Valdez took to the mound. KTRK also noted that this marks the third consecutive season in which Houston has achieved such an accomplishment.
With #Relentless as their slogan for this year, the Astros are aiming for an eighth consecutive trip to the American League Championship Series after losing four games to two against reigning World Series champions Texas Rangers last fall. Reflecting on his journey thus far Blanco told MLB.com: "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."