Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Bowden Francis continues to make headlines, though not necessarily for the reasons he would prefer. In a recent outing against the New York Mets, Francis saw his bid for a no-hitter slip away in the ninth inning for the second time in his last four starts. Despite his gutsy performance, the Mets ultimately secured a 6-2 victory. Francis allowed a leadoff home run to Francisco Lindor, extinguishing hopes for what would have been the team's first no-hitter in over three decades.
Near-Miss in a Season of Near-Misses
Francis demonstrated exceptional control and tenacity throughout the game, working eight hitless innings before Lindor's homer. His display was particularly remarkable in the eighth inning, where he retired the side on just six pitches. This endeavor, however, was not enough to secure victory or the elusive no-hitter that Toronto fans have been yearning for since Dave Stieb's no-no on September 2, 1990.
This latest near-miss comes eighteen days after Francis's previous bid for a no-hitter was similarly foiled in the ninth inning by a home run from Taylor Ward of the Los Angeles Angels. These two close calls highlight a season of tantalizing performances for Francis, who has been a formidable presence on the mound.
Consistency Amid Heartbreak
Despite the heartbreak of losing two no-hitters late in the game, Francis's stats over his last six starts are nothing short of impressive. In four of those outings, he has allowed zero or just one hit, each lasting at least seven innings. Over his last 43 innings pitched, he has conceded just 12 hits. His eight-inning effort against the Mets featured only one strikeout, emphasizing his ability to induce weak contact and effectively manage the game.
Mets Secure Crucial Win
While Francis's performance was the story of the game, the Mets' victory had significant implications for the National League wild-card race. The win helped the Mets maintain their grip on the third and final National League wild-card spot. Notably, this game marks the largest deficit overcome by a team being no-hit through eight innings since the 1990 Chicago White Sox against the Yankees.
For the Mets, Francisco Lindor's timely leadoff home run in the ninth provided the spark needed to rally past Francis's dominance. The Mets capitalized on this momentum, adding more runs to ensure the victory and underscore the ever-unpredictable nature of baseball.
A Season of Remarkable Pitching
Had Francis achieved the no-hitter, it would have been the fifth of the 2024 MLB season. Just a week prior, Shota Imanaga and two Chicago Cubs relievers combined to no-hit the Pittsburgh Pirates, showcasing the high-caliber pitching on display this year. With Francis's near-no-hitter now part of the narrative, it adds to the lore and excitement that surrounds no-hitters in Major League Baseball.
As the season progresses, all eyes will undoubtedly remain on Bowden Francis. His recent performances, characterized by remarkable control and occasional heartbreak, have positioned him as a pitcher to watch closely. With each outing, he continues to build his resume and put opposing teams on alert. The promise of what he might achieve next adds an additional layer of intrigue to the remaining games of the season.
Though he may not have clinched the historic no-hitter this time, Bowden Francis has solidified his reputation as one of the most exciting pitchers in baseball today. Fans and experts alike will eagerly await his future performances, hopeful that the elusive no-hitter may soon be within his grasp.