The Toronto Blue Jays were unsuccessful in producing any offense in the series’ first game against the Houston Astros. Ronel Blanco recorded a no-hitter against the Blue Jays on Monday evening, the 17th no-hitter in Astros history. The Astros went into this game with a 0-4 record. Evidently, the Astros’ offense finally came alive as they spoiled Bowden Francis‘ major league debut. Francis gave up three home runs and seven runs against the Astros, but was able to record seven strikeouts. Francis was successful with his curveball but struggled with locating his fastball. Nerves could have played a role in Francis’s debut, but nonetheless, the Blue Jays could not back up Francis with any offense.
HOUSTON YOU HAVE A NO-HITTER
RONEL BLANCO NO HITS THE BLUE JAYS!! pic.twitter.com/1fZTHJQchv
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) April 2, 2024
Astros’ Ronel Blanco Records No-Hitter Against Blue Jays
Plate Discipline
What went most wrong for the Blue Jays on Monday was their lack of plate discipline. They were swinging and chasing pitches they normally wouldn’t have swung at. They were not patient at the plate, and Blanco recorded seven strikeouts and just two walks that did not hurt him in the game. The Astros struck early with three home runs in the first two innings and finished the night with 12 hits. When the Blue Jays make better swing decisions at the plate, it makes a big difference in their game. An issue that the Blue Jays faced last season was similar to the last two games that they played. The offense is firing on all cylinders in one game, and the next game it vanishes. None of the Blue Jays hitters could figure out Blanco, who put on quite a show for the Astros and provided them with their first win of the season.
Things Boil Over for the Blue Jays
While it is still very early in the regular season, the last thing the Blue Jays were hoping for was to make headlines due to a shortage of offense. They have two more games in the series against the Astros before they take on the New York Yankees, who swept the Astros to start the season. The Blue Jays will hope for a better game on Tuesday evening, with their offense making things more competitive. Meanwhile, Blanco deserves a ton of credit for his dominant performance. Jose Berrios is set to make the start in game two of the series, and Chris Bassitt goes in the third game.
Photo Credit: © Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
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