In an extraordinary display of pitching prowess, Ronel Blanco of the Houston Astros etched his name into Major League Baseball history by delivering 14 consecutive innings without conceding a hit, a feat unparalleled since the expansion era began in 1961.
This remarkable streak, which included carrying a no-hitter into the sixth inning against the Texas Rangers, underscored Blanco’s emerging dominance on the mound. Despite not achieving back-to-back no-hitters—a rarity not seen in nearly nine decades—Blanco’s performance in the Astros’ 3-1 victory was a testament to his skill and consistency.
This historic achievement follows closely on the heels of Blanco’s first career no-hitter against the Toronto Blue Jays, highlighting his significant impact early in the season. Although his second outing saw the inclusion of a single hit by Adolis García, Blanco’s overall performance, characterized by four strikeouts and a controlled pitch count, played a pivotal role in the Astros’ triumph at Globe Life Field.
The Astros, despite a challenging start to the 2024 season with a 3-7 record, have found a silver lining in Blanco’s exceptional form. His contribution, alongside key moments like Yordan Álvarez’s three-run homer, not only secured wins but also indicated Blanco’s potential as a lasting fixture in the Astros’ starting rotation. As the season progresses, all eyes will undoubtedly remain on Blanco, whose record-setting start has already left an indelible mark on the league.