Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Bowden Francis’s attempt to secure a no-hit game was thwarted yet again as he lost his bid in the ninth inning, marking the second such loss in his last four starts. The formidable pitcher worked eight impeccable innings against the New York Mets, only to have his resolve shattered by a leadoff home run from Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor. This was a heart-wrenching moment for Francis, who had successfully retired the side on just six pitches in the eighth inning, demonstrating unparalleled control on the mound.
Francis’s close encounter with a no-hitter echoed his experience a mere eighteen days earlier, where he also lost his bid in the ninth inning. On that occasion, it was a home run by Taylor Ward of the Los Angeles Angels that spoiled his effort. For the Blue Jays, the last successful no-hitter dates all the way back to September 2, 1990, when Dave Stieb etched his name into the history books. Had Francis succeeded in his mission, it would have been the team's first no-hitter in over three decades, and the fifth one of the 2024 MLB season.
Despite his valiant efforts, the game concluded with the Mets capturing a 6-2 victory, bolstering their chase for the National League wild-card spot. The win came as an outcome of not just Lindor’s ninth-inning homer but a series of deliberate plays that led the Mets to rally back. Interestingly, this marked the largest gap a team being no-hit through eight innings had overcome since the 1990 White Sox's confrontation against the Yankees.
Subheading: Exceptional Consistency
Francis’s recent performance has been nothing short of remarkable. In four of his last six starts, he has allowed zero or just one hit, with each outing seeing him last at least seven innings. Analyzing his stats over the last 43 innings pitched, Francis has conceded just 12 hits. This impressive streak has rightfully put the spotlight on him as a pitcher to watch in the upcoming games.
Moreover, Francis’s near-miss with the Mets was uniquely challenging. His eight innings featured only one strikeout, showcasing his reliance on engaging his defense and executing pitches that induced weak contact. It’s a skill set that pays homage to classic pitching techniques, focusing more on situational pitching rather than overpowering hitters with sheer velocity and strikeouts.
Subheading: The Awaits and Expectations
As fans and analysts reflect on Francis’s near misses and exceptional performances, there is a burgeoning belief that his coveted no-hitter is merely a matter of time. His resilience and proficiency, particularly in high-stakes scenarios, underscore a level of maturity and skill that elevates him among his peers.
Francis’s bid came just a week after Shota Imanaga and two Chicago Cubs relievers combined to no-hit the Pittsburgh Pirates, adding another wrinkle of anticipation for baseball aficionados. Whether Francis can transcend these near-misses and finally achieve his no-hitter remains to be seen, but his trajectory suggests that greatness could be on the horizon.
As the season progresses, both the Blue Jays and their supporters will keep a close eye on their standout pitcher. With the memories of Dave Stieb’s historic no-hitter an ever-present reminder, Francis’s journey continues to captivate and inspire, promising thrilling moments for the games ahead.