In what could have been a historic night for the Toronto Blue Jays, right-hander Bowden Francis found himself heartbreakingly close yet again to achieving a no-hitter. For the second time in his last four starts, Francis lost his no-hit bid in the ninth inning. This time, it was New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor who dashed his hopes with a leadoff home run, marking a bittersweet end to an otherwise stellar performance.
Nearly Perfect Performance
Francis's quest for a no-hitter began with dominating precision. He worked his way through eight hitless innings, notably retiring the side on just six pitches in the eighth inning—a testament to his efficiency and control on the mound. However, the ninth inning proved to be his undoing, as Lindor's homer not only ended the no-hit bid but also paved the way for a Mets' comeback.
Recent Streak of Excellence
This near-miss follows another heartbreak from just eighteen days earlier when Los Angeles Angels' Taylor Ward shattered Francis's no-hit attempt with a home run in the ninth inning. These performances, close as they are to historic milestones, underscore Francis's recent dominance. Over his last six starts, he's allowed zero or just one hit in four of those outings, with each game extending at least seven innings. Over his last 43 innings pitched, Francis has given up merely 12 hits, showcasing his consistent and astounding precision.
A Long Wait for Another No-Hitter
For the Blue Jays, the wait for a no-hitter persists. The last time a Blue Jays pitcher achieved this rare feat was Dave Stieb on September 2, 1990. More than three decades later, Francis's near-misses have brought the excitement and anticipation for another historic game to the forefront.
Mets Rally for Victory
Despite Francis's impressive effort, the Mets capitalized on the turn of events. Following Lindor's pivotal home run, the Mets rallied to secure a 6-2 victory, a win that was crucial for their postseason aspirations. This victory helped the Mets maintain their grip on the third and final National League wild-card spot, a testament to their resilience and determination under pressure.
Historical Context
Interestingly, the Mets' win by a 6-2 margin is notable in itself as it stands as the largest gap by a team being no-hit through eight innings since the 1990 Chicago White Sox against the New York Yankees. This historical context adds another layer of significance to the game, highlighting the unique circumstances and dramatic shifts that can occur in baseball.
A Season of Near-Misses
The 2024 MLB season has seen its share of pitching duels and close calls with history. Just a week before Francis's attempt, Shota Imanaga and two Chicago Cubs relievers combined to no-hit the Pittsburgh Pirates. Francis's attempt could have marked the fifth no-hitter of the season, continuing a trend of remarkable pitching performances and tightening competitions for pitching excellence.
A Pitcher to Watch
Bowden Francis’s exceptional form has not gone unnoticed, and he is being spotlighted as a pitcher to watch in the coming games. His ability to command the mound and consistently deliver near-flawless performances has made him a key figure for the Blue Jays and a notable player in the league. With his track record, fans and analysts alike will be eagerly anticipating his next outings, hoping to witness the long-awaited no-hitter he so narrowly missed.
Despite the heartbreak, Francis’s journey continues to capture the imagination of baseball enthusiasts, promising many more thrilling moments on the diamond.