Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Bowden Francis came tantalizingly close to securing a no-hitter for the second time in his last four starts, only to see his effort unravel in the ninth inning against the New York Mets. The right-hander's remarkable performance saw him work eight hitless innings before Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor launched a leadoff home run in the ninth inning, ending his bid.
Francis, who had retired the side on just six pitches in the eighth inning, showcased his exceptional command and efficiency on the mound throughout the game. Despite missing out on the milestone, his outing against the Mets was yet another testament to his burgeoning prowess as a formidable pitcher.
Blue Jays' Last No-Hitter
The Blue Jays have not witnessed a no-hitter since Dave Stieb's unforgettable achievement on September 2, 1990. Francis's near-miss had the potential to be the first for the Jays in over three decades, and the fifth across Major League Baseball for the 2024 season. The last no-hitter to grace the MLB occurred just a week prior when Shota Imanaga and two Chicago Cubs relievers combined to blank the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Second Heartbreaking Near-Miss
This outing against the Mets was not the first time Francis has flirted with history. Merely eighteen days earlier, the right-hander lost another no-hit bid in the ninth inning when Taylor Ward of the Los Angeles Angels delivered a crushing home run. These consecutive heartbreaks underscore both the challenge and the excitement inherent in pursuing a no-hitter.
Dominating Performances
Francis's consistency has been nothing short of remarkable. In four of his last six starts, he has limited opposing hitters to zero or just one hit, with each outing extending into at least the seventh inning. Over his last 43 innings pitched, he has conceded a mere 12 hits. Such dominance on the mound has rightfully placed him in the spotlight as a pitcher to watch in the coming games.
Game Breakdown
Despite Francis's near-flawless performance, the Mets ultimately emerged victorious with a decisive 6-2 win. The victory was crucial for the Mets as it helped them solidify their grip on the third and final National League wild-card spot. The win margin was the largest by a team being no-hit through eight innings since the 1990 White Sox against the Yankees.
Looking Ahead
Bowden Francis's latest performance may not have ended with a no-hitter, but it has firmly established him as a pitcher of note in the league. His ability to consistently dominate hitters and pitch deep into games bodes well for his future prospects and the Blue Jays' pitching rotation. As the season progresses, all eyes will undoubtedly remain fixed on Francis, anticipating the day he finally etches his name into the annals of no-hitter history.