Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Bowden Francis and another brush with history came to a heart-breaking close on a cool night at Rogers Centre. For the second time in his last four starts, the pitcher saw a no-hit bid slip away in the ninth inning. The latest disruption came courtesy of a leadoff home run by Francisco Lindor, shattering not just the no-hitter but the hopes of a jubilant home crowd.
Francis had shown immense control and precision throughout the game. Eight innings of no-hit baseball had the crowd on its feet, buzzing with anticipation. In the eighth inning, he retired the side on just six pitches, a testament to the dominating pace he established early on.
A Familiar Heartbreak
Unfortunately, this was not unfamiliar territory for Francis. Just eighteen days earlier, he lost another no-hitter in the ninth inning with a home run allowed to Taylor Ward of the Los Angeles Angels. Despite those near-misses, the right-hander's recent form is undeniably impressive. In four of his last six starts, Francis has allowed zero or just one hit, each outing lasting at least seven innings.
Over his last 43 innings, Francis has conceded just 12 hits, showcasing a level of performance that continuously puts him on the radar. This latest performance against the Mets featured only one strikeout, an unusual stat given his form but indicative of his reliance on precision and strategic pitching.
Decades in Waiting
The Blue Jays' last no-hitter dates back to September 2, 1990, by Dave Stieb. Over three decades have passed since that historic moment, adding layers of anticipation to Francis's recent outings. No-hit bids are rare, and the weight of history was almost palpable as Francis took the mound inning after inning.
Mets' Resilient Victory
The Mets, however, had their narrative to push. Not only did Lindor's home run end the no-hit dream, but it also ignited a six-run inning that led to a 6-2 victory. This win was crucial for the Mets as it helped them maintain their grip on the third and final National League wild-card spot. The dramatic turnaround showcased the unpredictable beauty of baseball, where fortunes can change in an instant.
The victory was also historical in its own right. According to records, the Mets' win represented the largest gap by a team being no-hit through eight innings since the 1990 White Sox against the Yankees.
Spotlight on Francis
Despite the heartache, Bowden Francis continues to be a pitcher to watch. His consistency and resilience mark him as one of the standout performers of the 2024 MLB season. While his bid could've been the fifth no-hitter of the season, it nonetheless places him in elite company.
Adding to the anticipation was a recent no-hitter achieved by Shota Imanaga and two Chicago Cubs relievers against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Such performances set the stage for Francis's attempt, heightening expectations and interest.
Although the outcome wasn’t in his favor, Francis's performance underscored his immense potential. As the season progresses, both fans and analysts will undoubtedly keep a close eye on his starts, wondering if he might one day break that long-standing drought and etch his name in the annals of Blue Jays history.
The night may have ended in disappointment for Toronto fans eager to witness history, but Bowden Francis's journey continues to be one worth following. His skill, persistence, and near-misses point toward a promising trajectory, one that might just lead to that elusive no-hitter.