Toronto Blue Jays' right-hander Bowden Francis has been flirting with history lately, yet falling heartbreakingly short. For the second time in four outings, Francis lost a no-hit bid in the ninth inning. In his most recent attempt, the only blemish on an otherwise impeccable performance was a leadoff home run delivered by New York Mets' shortstop Francisco Lindor. This turned what could have been a historic evening into a 6-2 loss for the Blue Jays.
Francis showcased extraordinary control and poise, working through eight hitless innings with surgical precision. Remarkably, he retired the side on just six pitches in the eighth inning, demonstrating a level of efficiency rarely seen at this level. Despite his late-game misfortune, his performance remains one to be celebrated. Not since Dave Stieb's no-hitter on September 2, 1990, has a Blue Jay pitcher come so tantalizingly close to etching his name into the annals of franchise history.
This latest heartbreak echoes a similar episode that occurred just 18 days earlier when Francis lost another no-hitter in the ninth inning to a home run by Taylor Ward of the Los Angeles Angels. Such close calls speak volumes about Francis's current form and potential. In four of his last six starts, Francis allowed either zero or just one hit, with each of those outings lasting at least seven innings. Over his last 43 innings pitched, he has conceded only 12 hits, establishing himself as one of the most dominant pitchers in the league during this stretch.
It wasn't just the fans who were on the edge of their seats; Francis's teammates watched in amazement as he navigated through the Mets' lineup. Even though the no-hitter slipped away in the final moments, his eight innings of mastery featured only one strikeout, underscoring his reliance on pinpoint control and strategic pitch placement to stymie batters.
The Mets, while initially neutralized by Francis's prowess on the mound, eventually capitalized on the opportunity to secure a needed victory. Their 6-2 win was significant, helping them maintain their grip on the third and final National League wild-card spot. This victory marked the largest margin by a team being no-hit through eight innings since the 1990 White Sox against the Yankees.
Moreover, had Francis completed his no-hitter, it would have been the fifth of the 2024 MLB season. Just a week earlier, Shota Imanaga and two Chicago Cubs relievers combined to no-hit the Pittsburgh Pirates, proving that this year has been rich in pitching feats.
Despite the near-misses, Bowden Francis has commanded attention as a pitcher to watch. His resilience and ability to perform under pressure have marked him as a standout talent in the eyes of fans and analysts alike. While the search for a no-hitter continues, Francis's exceptional performances have undeniably reinvigorated the Blue Jays' pitching staff and excited their fan base.
As the season progresses, the focus will not solely be on whether Francis can finally achieve that elusive no-hitter but also on how his consistency and excellence on the mound can propel the Blue Jays forward. With performances like these, both team and pitcher remain poised to make waves in the weeks to come.