Francis Loses Another Near No-Hitter as Blue Jays Fall to Mets
In what has become a recurring theme in his recent outings, Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Bowden Francis was heartbreakingly close to etching his name into the record books. For the second time in his last four starts, Francis saw a no-hit bid slip through his fingers. This latest brush with history came to an end in the ninth inning against the New York Mets, when a leadoff home run by Francisco Lindor spoiled his gem.
Francis had masterfully navigated eight hitless innings, demonstrating efficiency and command with only 12 hits conceded over his last 43 innings pitched. His performance against the Mets was highlighted by a remarkable eighth inning, where he retired the side on just six pitches. But as the ninth inning began, Lindor seized the opportunity, sending a pitch over the fence and ending Francis's hopes for a no-hitter.
This wasn't the first time Francis has faced such heartache; just eighteen days earlier, a home run by Taylor Ward of the Los Angeles Angels dashed another no-hit bid in the ninth inning. Despite these near-misses, Francis remains one of the most formidable pitchers in the league. In four of his last six starts, he has allowed zero or just one hit, with each outing lasting at least seven innings.
In his latest performance, despite the fact that he only struck out one batter, Francis exhibited the poise and control that have defined his recent run of form. Sadly for him and the Blue Jays, it was not enough to secure the win. The Mets went on to secure a 6-2 victory, with the big blow in the ninth serving as a pivotal moment.
The Mets' victory was significant, not just for its timing, but for its impact on the standings. The win helped them maintain their grip on the third and final National League wild-card spot. It also represented the largest margin by a team being no-hit through eight innings since the 1990 White Sox against the Yankees.
For the Blue Jays, another no-hitter would have been a historic achievement, the first since Dave Stieb's on September 2, 1990, more than three decades ago. The near miss by Francis could have been the fifth no-hitter of the 2024 MLB season, a testament to the high level of pitching talent currently making waves in the league. Just a week prior, Shota Imanaga and two Chicago Cubs relievers combined to no-hit the Pittsburgh Pirates, highlighting a trend of strong pitching performances this season.
As Francis continues to deliver standout performances, he is quickly becoming a pitcher to watch in the coming games. His ability to nearly craft no-hitters in such short intervals underlines his prowess and potential for greatness. While the frustration of near-misses hangs heavy, the Blue Jays' faithful and baseball enthusiasts alike are witnessing the ascent of a pitcher with the tools to make history.
The Toronto Blue Jays will be keenly monitoring Francis's outings, looking for him to break through and finally secure the elusive no-hitter that seems just within reach. With his recent stretch of dominant pitching, it seems only a matter of time before Bowden Francis cements his legacy with a no-hit performance.