In what has become a recurring heartbreaker for Toronto Blue Jays' right-hander Bowden Francis, the young pitcher lost a no-hit bid for the second time in his last four starts. On this occasion, it was a ninth-inning leadoff home run by Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor that shattered Francis's dream of a no-hitter.
Francis's performance was nothing short of stellar as he worked eight hitless innings against the New York Mets, including a moment of efficiency in the eighth inning where he retired the side on just six pitches. However, it was the ninth inning that once again proved to be his Achilles' heel. This near-miss was eerily similar to the game eighteen days earlier where he had lost another no-hitter in the ninth inning to a home run by Taylor Ward of the Los Angeles Angels.
The tension was palpable as fans watched Francis deliver pitch after pitch with remarkable precision. As he took the mound in the ninth inning, the anticipation of making history was thick in the air. Yet, it was Lindor's powerful swing that ultimately dashed those hopes, bringing the Mets an instant jolt of energy that carried them towards a 6-2 victory.
Francis's Remarkable Run
Despite the disappointing finish, Francis's recent run on the mound has been nothing short of exceptional. Over his last six starts, he has managed to allow zero or just one hit in four of those outings, with each start lasting at least seven innings. In fact, in his last 43 innings pitched, Francis has conceded a mere 12 hits, making him one of the most formidable pitchers in the league at this moment.
What made this particular outing against the Mets remarkable was Francis's approach. He featured only one strikeout over his eight innings of work, opting instead to rely on his defense to back him up, a strategy that almost led to a historic moment for the 27-year-old pitcher.
A Historical Context
The Toronto Blue Jays have not celebrated a no-hitter since Dave Stieb’s memorable game on September 2, 1990. For over three decades, Blue Jays fans have yearned for another such game. Francis's effort brought them to the brink of that elusive achievement, and although it ended in heartbreak, it also revealed the immense potential and talent of the young pitcher.
For the Mets, the victory marked a crucial step in their campaign to secure the third and final National League wild-card spot. The team capitalized on the late-game momentum provided by Lindor's homer to create the largest gap by a team being no-hit through eight innings since the 1990 White Sox against the Yankees.
The 2024 MLB Season and Beyond
The 2024 MLB season has already witnessed four no-hitters, and Francis's near miss could have added to that tally. Just a week before his bid, Shota Imanaga and two Chicago Cubs relievers combined to no-hit the Pittsburgh Pirates, underscoring a season filled with pitching marvels.
As Francis continues to hone his craft, the baseball world watches in anticipation. His remarkable consistency, coupled with his ability to pitch deep into games, marks him as a notable pitcher to watch in the upcoming games. Blue Jays fans and baseball enthusiasts alike will be eager to see if he can finally clinch that coveted no-hitter in future outings.
In conclusion, while Bowden Francis's pursuit of a no-hitter remains unfulfilled, his performances are a testament to his skill and determination on the mound. The heartbreaking ninth-inning homers that have twice denied him do little to overshadow his rising star status in Major League Baseball.