How mounting evidence suggests something significant for Astros' Ronel Blanco

CRUNCHING THE NUMBERS

How mounting evidence suggests something significant for Astros' Ronel Blanco
Is there a pitcher in the AL having a better year than Ronel Blanco? Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images.

Is it time to consider whether Ronel Blanco is a legitimate Cy Young candidate, and not just an All-Star in 2024?

ESPN Houston's Jeremy Branham lays out all the numbers to make his case.

Here's where Blanco stands in the American League:

War: 7th

ERA: 2nd

Wins: Tied for 4th

Opponent Batting Average: Tied for 1st

WHIP: 6th

And let's not forget the no-hitter!

Don't miss the video above for the full conversation!




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The Astros beat the A's 13-3. Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images.

Cam Smith hit two of Houston's five home runs and finished with four hits as the Astros routed the Athletics 13-3 on Tuesday night to halt their four-game winning streak.

Jason Alexander, claimed off waivers from the Athletics last month, pitched six shutout innings for Houston before tiring in the seventh. Mauricio Dubón, Christian Walker and Cooper Hummel also homered for the Astros.

Smith and Dubón went back-to-back in the fourth.

Smith connected for leadoff shots in the second and fourth. He drove in three runs and scored three times. The 22-year-old rookie has five major league homers — and two multihomer games.

Dubón followed Smith's second home run with his second this season for a 5-0 lead against A's starter JP Sears, who walked the bases loaded in the first before giving up a two-run single to Jake Meyers.

Smith finished off his first four-hit game with an RBI double in the eighth.

Alexander (1-0) threw a season-high 95 pitches in his 12th career start and first since Sept. 18, 2022, with Milwaukee. He allowed three runs — two earned — and three hits.

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