Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Bowden Francis came painfully close to etching his name into baseball history yet again. For the second time in his last four starts, Francis found himself within striking distance of a no-hitter, only to see it slip away in the final inning. This time, it was a home run by New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor that ended his bid.
Francis was nothing short of spectacular over the course of eight hitless innings, showcasing a masterclass in control and precision. He retired the side on just six pitches in the eighth inning, his efficient performance creating a palpable buzz in the stadium. However, Lindor's leadoff home run in the ninth inning abruptly ended Francis's pursuit of a no-hit gem, sending a wave of both relief and disappointment through the stands and dugouts alike.
Only eighteen days earlier, Francis had suffered a similar fate, losing a no-hitter to a ninth-inning home run by Taylor Ward of the Los Angeles Angels. On both occasions, the heartbreak was palpable, but Francis's resilience and consistent excellence have made him a focal point of the Blue Jays pitching staff. In four of his last six starts, Francis has allowed zero or just one hit, with each outing lasting at least seven innings. Such consistency underscores his growing reputation as a reliable and dominant force on the mound.
The last time a Blue Jays pitcher completed a no-hitter was on September 2, 1990, when Dave Stieb achieved the remarkable feat. Francis's close call against the Mets nearly ended that drought, potentially adding to what has already been an extraordinary 2024 MLB season that has seen four no-hitters to date. Just a week prior to Francis's near-miss, Shota Imanaga and two Chicago Cubs relievers combined to no-hit the Pittsburgh Pirates, further fueling anticipation and excitement around potential pitching milestones.
Despite Francis's extraordinary effort, the Mets managed to turn the game around, eventually securing a 6-2 victory. Their win helped them maintain their grip on the third and final National League wild-card spot. The victory was particularly notable because it marked the largest margin of victory by a team that had been no-hit through eight innings since the 1990 White Sox against the Yankees. This historical footnote adds further intrigue to an already compelling narrative.
Francis's performance against the Mets was characterized more by tactical savvy than overpowering velocity. Over his eight innings of work, he registered only one strikeout, relying instead on his ability to induce weak contact and efficiently retire batters. Such a skill set sets him apart in an era increasingly dominated by strikeout artists and emphasizes his unique approach to the game.
In addition to his near-miss heroics, Francis has been remarkably economical on the mound, conceding just 12 hits over his last 43 innings pitched. This level of stinginess is rare and highlights his potential to be a key player for the Blue Jays as they navigate the season. His ability to limit hits and extend outings not only provides immediate benefits in terms of game management but also serves as an invaluable asset for a team looking to make a strong playoff push.
As the season progresses, Bowden Francis is undoubtedly a pitcher to watch. His near no-hitter against the Mets could have been the fifth no-hitter of the 2024 MLB season, and it won’t be surprising if he eventually achieves the elusive feat. Despite the heartache of missing out on a no-hitter twice in the span of just over two weeks, the resilience and skill Francis has displayed are undeniable. He stands poised to continue his impressive run and perhaps finally get the recognition and achievement he so closely came to grasping.
For baseball fans and analysts alike, Francis's recent performances serve as a reminder of the thin line between immortalizing glory and the harsh reality of the sport. The tension and excitement his outings generate are a testament to his exceptional talent and potential for greatness. Whether he finally crosses the no-hit milestone soon or not, his path will undoubtedly be followed with keen interest and high expectations.