A Heartbreaking Close Call for Blue Jays' Bowden Francis
In what has become a pattern of tantalizing near-misses, Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Bowden Francis once again flirted with baseball immortality, only to have his no-hit bid shattered in the final inning. In a masterful display of pitching acumen, Francis dominated the New York Mets for eight innings before yielding a leadoff home run in the ninth to Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor.
The tense atmosphere reached its peak in the ninth inning when Lindor stepped up to bat. Having retired the side on just six pitches in the eighth, Francis seemed poised to etch his name in the annals of baseball history. However, Lindor's homer not only marred what could have been Francis's crowning achievement but also marked the second time in his last four starts that the 27-year-old pitcher saw a no-hitter slip away in the ninth.
This latest heartbreak comes 18 days after Los Angeles Angels' Taylor Ward similarly dashed Francis's no-hit hopes with a ninth-inning home run. Despite these setbacks, Francis has established himself as a dominant force on the mound. In four of his last six starts, he has allowed zero or just one hit, with each outing lasting at least seven innings. Over his last 43 innings pitched, Francis has conceded a mere 12 hits, underscoring his remarkable consistency and control.
Adding to the drama, Francis's eight innings against the Mets featured just one strikeout, a testament to his ability to induce weak contact and rely on his defense. The Mets' eventual 6-2 victory, however, had larger implications beyond individual feats. Securing the win allowed the Mets to maintain their grip on the third and final National League wild-card spot, a crucial juncture as the season edges towards its climax.
For the Blue Jays, Francis's near-miss revives memories of the franchise's last no-hitter, pitched by Dave Stieb on September 2, 1990. Stieb's gem remains a cherished moment in Blue Jays' history, a feat that has stood unchallenged for over three decades. With Shota Imanaga and two Chicago Cubs relievers having no-hit the Pittsburgh Pirates just a week prior to Francis's recent attempt, the potential for Francis to have spun the fifth no-hitter of the 2024 MLB season felt palpable.
The Mets' victory marks the largest gap by a team being no-hit through eight innings since the 1990 White Sox managed to come back against the Yankees. That historical context adds another layer of poignancy to Francis's near miss.
Despite the disappointment, Bowden Francis's performances have solidified his status as a pitcher to watch in the coming games. The baseball world will be keenly observing whether he can finally complete the elusive no-hitter that has twice slipped through his grasp. With his recent outings establishing him as one of the most compelling pitchers in the league, Francis is undeniably a pivotal figure in the Blue Jays' rotation.
While the taste of what could have been lingers, there's no denying that Bowden Francis's journey is one marked by resilience, determination, and undeniable talent. As the season progresses, and the Blue Jays vie for playoff contention, all eyes will remain on Francis, waiting to see if the third time truly is the charm.