Houston Astros Unlikely Hero Ronel Blanco Pulls Off First No-Hitter of MLB Season

It's no joke … a no-name on the Houston Astros' rotation just threw a no-hitter on April Fools' Day. 

Houston Astros' Ronel Blanco threw 105 pitches in nine innings against the Toronto Blue Jays Monday night, fanning seven batters, walking two and holding the Blue Jays to a goose egg on hits. 

The 30-year-old recorded the no-hitter in just his eighth career.

HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 01: Ronel Blanco #56 of the Houston Astros celebrates after pitching a no hitter against the Toronto Blue Jays at Minute Maid Park on April 01, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)

Blanco's story was made much more spectacular, considering he's fifth in the starting pitching rotation, pitched the no-hitter in his season debut, and following a 4.50 ERA season in 2023.

Former Astros star George Springer drew the two walks of the game: one in the first inning and one in the ninth inning.

HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 01: Ronel Blanco #56 of the Houston Astros pitches in the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Minute Maid Park on April 01, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)

It marked the earliest no-hitter thrown in MLB history (five games), and marked the 17th no-hitter in Astros history.

Last season, Houston ace Framber Valdez threw the 16th in Astros history. 

It's a Cinderella story bigger than any March Madness storyline.

The Astros secured the 10-0 win over the Blue Jays behind Blanco's incredible performance.

Congrats to the young man!

HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 01: Ronel Blanco #56 of the Houston Astros reacts after the end of the eighth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Minute Maid Park on April 01, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)

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