HOUSTON (AP) — Houston’s Ronel Blanco hasn’t allowed a hit through eight innings Monday night against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Blanco, who is making his first start this season, has thrown 91 pitches and walked one, on a leadoff walk by George Springer.

Blanco, who has struck out seven, induced three groundouts in the second inning and struck out the side in the fourth.

Alejandro Kirk hit a ball that Blanco deflected, and it rolled away from him to start the eighth. Mauricio Dubón, who had just entered the game for Jose Altuve at second base, charged in and grabbed it, before making the throw to first to beat Kirk to the bag.

Ernie Clement grounded out before Kevin Kiermaier popped out to shallow left field to end the inning.

The 30-year-old right-hander is in his third major league season after going 2-1 with a 4.50 ERA in 17 games with seven starts last season.

The Astros, who are looking for their first win, lead 10-0 after Kyle Tucker and Yainer Diaz both homered twice.

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB