In a heart-wrenching twist of fate, Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Bowden Francis saw a no-hit bid slip away once again, this time against the New York Mets. The promising effort, which could have marked a pivotal milestone in his blossoming career, was thwarted by a ninth-inning leadoff home run by Francisco Lindor. This marks the second time in his last four starts that Francis has had a no-hitter lost in the final innings.
Francis dominated through eight hitless innings, showcasing his remarkable command on the mound. His eighth inning was particularly efficient, retiring the side on just six pitches, exemplifying his mastery and poise under pressure. However, when Lindor connected with the ball in the ninth inning, it ended the valiant no-hit attempt and shifted the momentum in favor of the Mets, who went on to secure a 6-2 victory.
This near-miss adds another chapter to Francis's ongoing narrative this season. Just 18 days prior, he experienced a similar heartbreak when a ninth-inning home run by Taylor Ward of the Los Angeles Angels shattered his no-hitter. Despite these setbacks, Francis has consistently displayed exceptional prowess, having allowed zero or just one hit in four of his last six starts, each lasting at least seven innings.
A Remarkable Streak
Francis has been one of the standout performers in Major League Baseball this season. Over his last 43 innings pitched, he has conceded just 12 hits, highlighting his ability to consistently stifle opposing hitters. His meticulous approach and pinpoint accuracy have garnered him respect and recognition, making him a pitcher to watch closely in upcoming games.
One notable aspect of Francis's recent performance against the Mets was that his eight innings of work included only one strikeout. This underscores his reliance on inducing weak contact and effectively managing batted balls rather than racking up high strikeout totals. This approach has proven effective, although it leaves little room for error as evidenced by the unfortunate home runs that have cost him two no-hitters.
Historic Context
The last no-hitter for the Blue Jays was delivered by Dave Stieb on September 2, 1990, making it a rare feat in the franchise's history. Interestingly, Francis's near no-hitter against the Mets could have been the fifth of the 2024 MLB season, further emphasizing the magnitude of what nearly transpired. Just a week before Francis's attempt, Shota Imanaga and two Chicago Cubs relievers combined to no-hit the Pittsburgh Pirates, adding to the season's no-hit attempts and successes.
For the Mets, the victory was significant not only because of the dramatic turnaround but also in its broader implications for the team's standings. It helped them maintain their grip on the third and final National League wild-card spot, a critical position as the postseason approaches. Notably, the 6-2 win marked the largest deficit overcome by a team being no-hit through eight innings since the 1990 Chicago White Sox managed it against the New York Yankees.
Despite the loss, Francis's resilience and steady performance continue to earn him accolades. His ability to bounce back from close calls and maintain high-level pitching without succumbing to the pressure bodes well for his future. As he continues to refine his craft, Bowden Francis is undoubtedly a pitcher on the ascent, captivating the attention of both fans and analysts alike.
Looking ahead, the Blue Jays will be eager to see how Francis builds on these experiences, aiming to convert his near-misses into historic achievements. With his current form and mental fortitude, the possibility of seeing him etch his name in the annals of MLB history remains a tantalizing prospect.