Francis Falls Just Short Again: Blue Jays' Pitcher Loses Another No-Hit Bid
In a heart-wrenching turn of events for Toronto Blue Jays fans, right-hander Bowden Francis experienced the devastating loss of a no-hit bid for the second time in his last four starts. Francis’s bid was shattered after an impressive eight hitless innings when he surrendered a leadoff home run to New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor in the ninth inning.
The game began with Francis exhibiting sheer dominance, retiring the side in the eighth inning on just six pitches. His performance had Blue Jays supporters hopeful for what could have been the team's first no-hitter since Dave Stieb's historic achievement on September 2, 1990. The no-hit dreams, however, were dashed in the final moments of the game, echoing the heartbreak from just eighteen days earlier when Francis lost another no-hitter in the ninth inning due to a home run by Taylor Ward of the Los Angeles Angels.
Francis, who has been making a mark as a pitcher to watch this season, continued to show exemplary form despite the near misses. In his last six starts, he has allowed zero or just one hit in four games, with each outing lasting at least seven innings. Over his last 43 innings pitched, Francis has conceded a mere 12 hits, underlining his potential and growing reputation on the mound.
The eight innings Francis pitched against the Mets were characterized by efficiency and control, featuring only one strikeout but clearly keeping the Mets' hitters off-balance. His minimal strikeouts did not diminish the quality of his pitching, as he effectively handled the potent Mets lineup.
The Mets, eventually securing a 6-2 victory, managed to turn their fortune around dramatically. Their win was significant not only for stopping a no-hitter but also for maintaining their hold on the third and final National League wild-card spot. Their comeback was particularly remarkable, considering the largest gap by a team being no-hit through eight innings since the 1990 White Sox against the New York Yankees.
This recent outing could have marked the fifth no-hitter of the 2024 MLB season. The most recent prior no-hitter saw Shota Imanaga and two Chicago Cubs relievers combine to no-hit the Pittsburgh Pirates just a week before Francis’s captivating bid.
Despite the hard-luck outcomes, Francis's exceptional form and tenacity on the mound have made him a highlight in an otherwise challenging season for the Blue Jays. His ability to consistently deliver near-flawless performances bodes well for the future, hinting at the possibility of him eventually securing that elusive no-hitter.
Baseball enthusiasts and Blue Jays fans alike will certainly be keeping a close watch on Francis's upcoming games, with hope and anticipation that his continued excellence will eventually be rewarded with the historic achievement that narrowly slipped from his grasp twice this season. For now, his persistence and superb pitching prowess remain a promising beacon for the Toronto Blue Jays.