Watch: Astros' Blanco dominates Jays for first no-hitter of 2024

Houston Astros starting pitcher Ronel Blanco (56) celebrates with catcher Yainer Diaz (21) after throwing a no-hitter against the Toronto Blue Jays at Minute Maid Park. Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Astros' Ronel Blanco dominates Blue Jays for first no-hitter of 2024

By Michael Carpenter | Last updated 4/1/24

Five games into the 2024 season, we have the first no-hitter of the year.

Making only his eighth career start, Houston Astros pitcher Ronel Blanco walked the first batter of the game against the Toronto Blue Jays. After the walk, he locked in retiring 26 straight batters before walking Blue Jays outfielder George Springer in the top of the ninth inning.

With Springer on first and two outs, Blanco got Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to ground out weakly to second base completing the no-hitter.

In the 8th start of his career, Ronel Blanco has thrown a no-hitter! pic.twitter.com/lHxENPJ0x3
— MLB (@MLB) April 2, 2024

Blanco got some help along the way including this diving play by first baseman Jose Abreu to keep the no-hitter alive with one out in the top of the ninth.

Tip of the to José Abreu for making this play with one out in the 9th to preserve the no-no!@astros | #Relentless pic.twitter.com/g8xdpBfrRk
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) April 2, 2024

Blanco finished the game with seven strikeouts on 105 pitches.

With injuries to pitchers Justin Verlander, Lance McCullers Jr., Luis Garcia and Jose Urquidy, the Houston Astros were forced to start the season with a makeshift rotation.

Blanco was one of the pitchers to get a shot due to the injuries and he made the most of it.

The 323rd no-hitter in MLB history, the Astros have now thrown four of the last seven no-hitters.

More must-reads: