Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Bowden Francis witnessed another heart-wrenching moment on the mound as he lost a no-hit bid for the second time in his last four starts. History nearly repeated itself in a melancholic manner for Francis, who allowed a leadoff home run in the ninth inning to New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor.
In a remarkable display of poise and dominance, Francis worked eight spectacular hitless innings before succumbing to Lindor’s power. Earlier in the game, he retired the side on just six pitches in the eighth inning, showcasing impressive efficiency. Despite his stunning effort, the Mets went on to secure a 6-2 victory, dashing the Blue Jays’ hopes.
This bitter moment for Francis eerily mirrored another recent heartbreak. Just eighteen days prior, he lost another no-hitter in the ninth inning to a home run by Taylor Ward of the Los Angeles Angels. Such near-misses have cast a striking spotlight on Francis's prowess and resilience on the mound.
Consistency in Dominance
Francis’s recent performances have been nothing short of remarkable. In four of his last six starts, he has allowed zero or just one hit, with each outing extending at least seven innings. His control and precision have been exemplary, conceding only 12 hits over his last 43 innings pitched. However, his dominant eight-inning stint against the Mets featured just one strikeout, indicating his reliance on location and movement rather than raw power.
The Blue Jays’ recent brush with history is reminiscent of a golden era that has faded into memories. The last no-hitter for Toronto was delivered by Dave Stieb on September 2, 1990. More than three decades have passed since that monumental achievement, highlighting the gravity of Francis’s near misses.
Mets Secure Crucial Victory
For the Mets, the victory was crucial, not just for the win column but for the postseason implications. Their come-from-behind win helped them maintain their grip on the third and final National League wild-card spot. Additionally, the victory represented the largest gap by a team being no-hit through eight innings since the 1990 White Sox against the Yankees.
The 2024 MLB season has seen its share of near no-hitters, with Francis’s bid marking what could have been the fifth no-hitter of the season. Just a week before, Shota Imanaga and two Chicago Cubs relievers combined to no-hit the Pittsburgh Pirates, highlighting the infrequency yet possibility of such feats in today’s game.
Looking Ahead
Bowden Francis is coming into his own as a formidable presence on the mound. Despite the emotional toll of near misses, his consistency and ability to dominate opposing lineups underline his potential. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Francis whenever he takes the mound, with fans and analysts alike anticipating another historic opportunity.
In a season marked by ups and downs, Francis’s story serves as a testament to the highs and lows of professional sports. While the dream of achieving a no-hitter slips through his fingers, his pursuit continues to captivate and inspire. As his next start approaches, the baseball world will once again watch with bated breath, hopeful for yet another memorable performance.