Toronto Blue Jays' Bowden Francis Falls Short of No-Hit Glory Once More
The Toronto Blue Jays' right-hander, Bowden Francis, experienced the heartbreak of losing a no-hit bid for the second time in his last four starts. In what could have been a historic outing, Francis allowed a leadoff home run in the ninth inning, shattering his dreams of etching his name in the record books.
Francis had been flawless for eight innings, navigating the New York Mets' lineup with precision and authority. His dominance was evident as he retired the side on just six pitches in the eighth inning, showcasing his efficiency and control. However, the dream was abruptly halted when Francisco Lindor, the Mets' shortstop, sent a powerful drive over the fence at the top of the ninth, ending the no-hit bid. It marked yet another near-miss for the Blue Jays, whose last no-hitter came courtesy of Dave Stieb on September 2, 1990.
The Mets capitalized on the momentum shift, securing a 6-2 victory. This win was crucial for the Mets, fortifying their position in the competitive National League wild-card race. Notably, it was the largest victory margin by a team being no-hit through eight innings since the 1990 White Sox against the Yankees, highlighting the resilience and timely hitting of the Mets.
This isn't the first time Francis has come agonizingly close to a no-hitter. Eighteen days prior, he lost another ninth-inning no-hit bid to a home run by Taylor Ward of the Los Angeles Angels. Despite these near-misses, Francis's performances have been nothing short of extraordinary. In four of his last six starts, he has allowed zero or just one hit, each outing extending at least seven innings. His recent form has seen him concede just 12 hits over his last 43 innings pitched, an impressive feat in any light.
Against the Mets, Francis's dominance wasn't solely defined by strikeouts. His eight innings of work featured just one strikeout, showcasing his ability to induce weak contact and effectively manage the opposition's batting order. This kind of performance speaks volumes about his command and poise on the mound.
This near no-hitter could have been the fifth of the 2024 MLB season. Just a week before Francis's near-miss, Shota Imanaga and two Chicago Cubs relievers combined to no-hit the Pittsburgh Pirates, highlighting the rarity and significance of such achievements in the sport.
For the Blue Jays and their fans, the wait for another no-hitter continues. Dave Stieb's monumental no-hitter over three decades ago remains a cherished memory in Toronto's baseball lore. However, with Francis's consistent near-misses and dominant outings, there is hope and excitement that he will soon break the prolonged drought. His outstanding performances have earned him the spotlight as a notable pitcher to watch in the coming games.
Bowden Francis's journey and performances embody the blend of talent, perseverance, and heartbreak that define baseball. As he continues to hone his skills and build on his remarkable outings, fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching, waiting for the day he can finally savor the taste of a no-hitter.