Astros’ Ronel Blanco looks for another hit, throws 7 hitless innings against Tigers

HOUSTON (AP) — Ronel Blanco of the Houston Astros did not allow a hit in seven innings Sunday against the Detroit Tigers.

White, who threw the only no-hitter in the majors this season, on April 1 against Toronto, did not allow a baserunner until he walked Gio Urshela with two outs in the fifth.

He then walked Akil Baddoo and Carson Kelly to load the bases, but retired Zach McKinstry on a flyout.

In seven innings, Blanco threw 94 pitches with 65 strikes and tied a season high with eight strikeouts. He walked three.

Blanco made a good defensive play for the second out of the sixth when he caught a comebacker hit by Matt Vierling. He then sat Riley Greene on a pop-up.

Urshela had two outs in the seventh following a throwing error by third baseman Alex Bregman. Blanco then struck out Baddoo on a fly ball that center fielder Jake Meyers caught on the warning track.

Blanco was suspended for 10 games this season after being ejected from the game against the Oakland Athletics on May 14 for violating MLB’s bans on foreign substances.

Blanco, 30, is making his 20th start and 37th major league appearance.

Houston led 4-0 after a three-run homer by Jose Altuve in the second inning.

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