Bowden Francis's Near No-Hitter: Another Heartbreak for the Blue Jays Ace
In an exhilarating display of pitching prowess, Toronto Blue Jays' right-hander Bowden Francis came painstakingly close to etching his name in the annals of baseball history for the second time within a month. On a night charged with anticipation and tension, Francis dazzled on the mound, only to see his no-hit bid shattered in the ninth inning by a solo home run from Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor.
Francis, who displayed impeccable command throughout the game, retired the side on just six pitches in the eighth inning, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. However, Lindor's leadoff homer in the ninth snuffed out the potential no-hitter, much to the dismay of Francis and the Toronto dugout. Despite the disappointment, Francis's performance remains noteworthy. He worked eight hitless innings, showcasing a brilliant array of pitches that left the Mets' batters flummoxed.
Remarkably, this was the second time in his last four starts that Francis has experienced such heartbreak. Eighteen days earlier, he lost a no-hit bid against the Los Angeles Angels due to a home run by Taylor Ward in the final inning. These near-misses underline Francis's stellar form, marking him as one of the most formidable pitchers in the league.
His recent outings are testament to this. In four of his last six starts, Francis has allowed zero or just one hit, each outing lasting at least seven innings. Over his last 43 innings pitched, he has conceded a mere 12 hits, a testament to his control and consistency.
However, despite Francis's herculean efforts, the Mets managed to secure a 6-2 victory, a win that was crucial in helping them maintain their grip on the third and final National League wild-card spot. The victory was particularly significant as it was marked by the largest margin ever for a team being no-hit through eight innings since the 1990 White Sox against the Yankees. This remarkable turnaround showcased the resilience and tenacity of the Mets lineup.
The last no-hitter for the Blue Jays dates back to September 2, 1990, when Dave Stieb achieved the feat. Even more poignant is that, had Francis completed his no-hitter, it would have been the fifth such accomplishment of the 2024 MLB season. Just a week prior to Francis’s near-miss, Shota Imanaga and two Chicago Cubs relievers combined to no-hit the Pittsburgh Pirates, setting the stage for what could have been another historic moment.
Francis’s performance against the Mets was characterized by more than just near-perfection. Despite only recording a single strikeout over eight innings, his ability to retire batters efficiently and his knack for keeping his pitch count low were on full display. His strategic pitching and mental fortitude have spotlighted him as a notable pitcher to watch in upcoming games.
For many Blue Jays fans and baseball enthusiasts, the night’s events were a rollercoaster of emotions, swinging from the cusp of a historic achievement to the eventual game's outcome. While the Mets celebrated a hard-fought victory, the spotlight remains firmly on Francis, whose recent performances have elevated his standing in the league.
Dave Stieb’s iconic no-hitter remains a cherished memory in Blue Jays history, and while Francis's dreams were dashed once more, his resilience and skill promise more opportunities for glory. As the season progresses, all eyes will undoubtedly be on Bowden Francis, a pitcher who has shown he has the potential for greatness with each throw.