Houston’s Ronel Blanco has not allowed any hits in the first eight innings on Monday night against the Toronto Blue Jays. Blanco, who is starting for the first time this season, has thrown 91 pitches and only walked one batter, George Springer.
Blanco has seven strikeouts so far. In the second inning, he got three batters out with ground balls, and in the fourth inning, he struck out all three batters he faced.
In the eighth inning, Alejandro Kirk hit a ball that Blanco touched, but it rolled away. Mauricio Dubón, who came in to replace Jose Altuve, quickly grabbed it and threw it to first base to get Kirk out.
After that, Ernie Clement grounded out, and Kevin Kiermaier popped out to end the inning.
Blanco, a 30-year-old right-handed pitcher, is in his third season in the major leagues. Last season, he had a record of 2-1 with a 4.50 ERA in 17 games, seven of which he started.
The Astros, who have yet to win a game, are currently ahead 10-0. Kyle Tucker and Yainer Diaz both hit two home runs each.
