HOUSTON โ In an impressive display on Sunday, Ronel Blanco delivered a standout performance to help the Houston Astros secure a 6-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. Blanco struck out a personal best of 11 batters over the course of eight innings, complemented by Shawn Dubin who wrapped up the two-hitter game to conclude the match.
Yainer Diaz contributed significantly by launching a three-run homer in the third inning to provide Houston with an early edge, while Christian Walker added to the score with two hits and three RBIs. With these efforts, the Astros claimed the series with a 2-1 advantage.
This outing marked the second-longest start in Blancoโs career, first seen in his season debut last year when he achieved a no-hitter against the Blue Jays in a 10-0 win on April 1. Blanco (3-3) impressively retired the first nine batters faced, collecting six strikeouts, only to allow a walk to TJ Friedl at the start of the fourth inning. He swiftly regained control, with Spencer Steerโs double in the fifth being the first hit off Blanco.
Returning to form, Blanco dismissed the next nine batters, permitting a double by Jose Trevino in the eighth. He then proceeded to retire Will Benson and struck out Santiago Espinal, ending his day to a standing ovation. This performance was crucial for the Astros, who had utilized six relief pitchers the previous night in a high-scoring game that resulted in a 13-9 defeat after Lance McCullers Jr.โs challenging start.
Diazโs home run came against rookie pitcher Chase Petty (0-2) with one out in the third, lifting his hitting streak to nine games and setting the Astros on a 3-0 lead. The advantage extended to four runs as the Astros loaded the bases in the sixth, leading to a two-run single by Walker.
Petty ended the game with six hits and four runs conceded over three-plus innings in just his second major league start. The Astros managed without Jose Altuve, who had left the previous game early due to hamstring tightness. However, Manager Joe Espada is optimistic about Altuveโs quick return to the lineup.
A defining moment of Blancoโs performance occurred when he struck out three batters in the first inning, setting the tone for his dominant performance. This marked the first time Blanco surpassed nine strikeouts, having done so three times prior.
Looking ahead, the Reds are set for a break on Monday before their next game, while the Astros will see RHP Ryan Gusto (3-1, 2.93 ERA) take the mound in the series opener against Kansas City.