Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Bowden Francis just can't seem to catch a break when it comes to no-hitters. For the second time in his last four starts, Francis saw a no-hit bid slip through his fingers, this time against the New York Mets. The heartbreaking moment arrived in the ninth inning when Francisco Lindor sent a leadoff home run into the stands, putting an abrupt end to Francis’s no-hit aspirations.
Another Near Miss
Until that fateful swing by Lindor, Francis had worked eight hitless innings, including a masterful eighth inning where he retired the side on just six pitches. His dominance on the mound has been nothing short of remarkable, making it all the more agonizing for Francis and Blue Jays fans alike to see another no-hitter fall apart at the final hurdle.
This is not the first time Francis has faced such disappointment. Just eighteen days earlier, he lost a no-hitter in the ninth inning to a home run by Taylor Ward of the Los Angeles Angels. Such near-misses make Francis’s journey both a testament to his skill and an exasperating series of what-ifs.
Consistent Excellence
Despite the no-hitters that weren't, Francis has been a model of consistency and excellence. 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, he has conceded only 12 hits, an astonishing statistic that underscores his dominance and control on the mound.
A noteworthy aspect of Francis's outing against the Mets was the sheer efficiency of his pitches. While he notched just one strikeout over eight innings, his command and placement were enough to keep the Mets' hitters off balance and off the bases.
Historical Context
The last no-hitter for the Blue Jays came over three decades ago, when Dave Stieb secured a no-hitter on September 2, 1990. Francis's bid could have ended that long drought and added his name to the history books. Instead, the Mets' victory highlighted their resilience and helped them maintain their grip on the third and final National League wild-card spot.
Season's Narrative
Had Francis succeeded, his no-hitter would have been the fifth of the 2024 MLB season. His near-miss follows closely on the heels of Shota Imanaga and two Chicago Cubs relievers who no-hit the Pittsburgh Pirates just a week earlier.
Looking beyond the individual game, Francis's performances have garnered attention, marking him as a notable pitcher to watch in the coming games. His ability to deliver under pressure and his consistency on the mound are elements that any team would covet.
Tough Defeat, Future Promise
Although the Mets eventually secured a 6-2 victory, the margin of their win was highlighted as the largest gap by a team being no-hit through eight innings since the 1990 White Sox against the Yankees. This adds another layer of complexity to Francis's effort, as it paints a picture of a game where the scoreboard doesn’t fully reflect the pitches thrown and the drama on the field.
In a game defined by numbers and records, Bowden Francis continues to carve out a niche for himself, not just as a pitcher of great promise but also as a symbol of perseverance in the face of near triumphs. Whether the next milestone will finally see him complete a no-hitter remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Francis has already solidified his status as a formidable presence on the mound and a key player in any future success for the Blue Jays.