Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Bowden Francis experienced a heart-wrenching moment as he lost a no-hit bid in the ninth inning for the second time in his last four starts. The right-hander delivered an electrifying performance against the New York Mets, only to see his dream unravel with a leadoff home run by Francisco Lindor in the ninth inning.
Francis worked eight hitless innings, showcasing his mastery and control, retiring the side on just six pitches in the eighth inning. His exceptional delivery and strategic play held the Mets at bay, leaving spectators on the edge of their seats, anticipating a historic no-hitter. However, fate dealt a cruel hand as Lindor's homer dashed those hopes, reminiscent of a similar incident 18 days earlier when Francis lost another no-hitter in the ninth inning to Taylor Ward of the Los Angeles Angels.
The Mets capitalized on this momentum, going on to secure a 6-2 victory. This win was crucial for the Mets as it helped them maintain their grip on the third and final National League wild-card spot. Despite the outcome, Francis's performance did not go unnoticed. He allowed zero or just one hit in four of his last six starts, with each outing lasting at least seven innings – a testament to his growing prowess on the mound.
Francis's consistency and resilience have been impressive. Over his last 43 innings pitched, he has conceded just 12 hits, underscoring his ability to dominate from the mound. Even in his near-no-hit bid against the Mets, he featured just one strikeout, demonstrating his effectiveness through pitch placement and tactical acumen.
The last no-hitter for the Blue Jays came on September 2, 1990, by Dave Stieb. Stieb's no-hitter remains a celebrated moment in Blue Jays history, and the organization has yet to see a repeat of such a feat. Francis's near-miss could have been the fifth no-hitter of the 2024 MLB season, further highlighting the rarity and prestige of such an achievement.
Interestingly, this marks the largest victory margin by a team being no-hit through eight innings since the 1990 White Sox against the Yankees. The Mets' ability to rally late in the game speaks to their tenacity and strategic play, qualities that are essential in the high-stakes environment of Major League Baseball.
Adding to the intrigue of the 2024 season, Shota Imanaga and two Chicago Cubs relievers combined for a no-hit game against the Pittsburgh Pirates just a week before Francis's near-miss. The season has already witnessed several high-caliber pitching performances, and Francis is being spotlighted as a notable pitcher to watch in the coming games.
Francis's exceptional skills and recent performances suggest that he has the potential to achieve greatness. While near-no-hitters bring heartache and frustration, they also serve as a testament to a pitcher's capability and perseverance. As the Blue Jays continue their campaign, all eyes will be on Francis, waiting to see if he can finally break through and secure that elusive no-hitter, adding his name to the annals of baseball history.
For now, fans and analysts alike can appreciate Bowden Francis's remarkable journey and eagerly await the next chapter in his promising career. His ability to repeatedly dominate from the mound signals a bright future, one filled with the possibility of rewriting the record books and achieving the ultimate pitching accolade.