In a dramatic turn of events, Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Bowden Francis lost his no-hit bid for the second time in his last four starts, surrendering a leadoff home run in the ninth inning. This time, it was New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor who ended Francis's no-hit effort with a homer.
Francis, who worked an impressive eight hitless innings, was just three outs from achieving a no-hitter, a feat that hasn't been accomplished by a Blue Jays pitcher since Dave Stieb on September 2, 1990. In the eighth inning, Francis needed only six pitches to retire the side, showcasing his control and efficiency on the mound. With the pressure mounting, the Toronto right-hander unfortunately yielded to Lindor's solo shot in the ninth.
Beyond the immediate heartbreak of losing the no-hit bid, the game took another tough turn for the Blue Jays as the Mets went on to secure a 6-2 victory. The win was crucial for the Mets, allowing them to maintain their grip on the third and final National League wild-card spot.
This near-no-hit effort from Francis marked the second time in just over two weeks that he has seen a no-hit bid slip away in the final frame. Eighteen days prior, Taylor Ward of the Los Angeles Angels hit a home run in the ninth inning to spoil Francis's no-hit attempt. Despite the unfortunate outcomes, Francis's recent performances have been nothing short of stellar.
Steady Performances
Over his last six starts, Francis has consistently demonstrated why he is a pitcher to watch. In four of these outings, he has allowed zero or just one hit, each time lasting at least seven innings. His command and ability to stymie opposing batters have been on full display, as evidenced by his conceding only 12 hits over his last 43 innings pitched.
Remarkably, during his eight innings against the Mets, Francis notched only one strikeout but was nevertheless able to keep the potent Mets lineup at bay until Lindor's homer. His ability to induce weak contact and pitch efficiently has been a hallmark of his recent success.
Historical Context
The near-miss by Francis would have marked the fifth no-hitter of the 2024 MLB season. Just a week prior, Shota Imanaga and two Chicago Cubs relievers combined for a no-hit victory against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The anticipation and excitement surrounding potential no-hitters have been palpable this season, with fans eagerly awaiting every pitch in these high-stakes moments.
Francis's near-no-hit effort also brings to mind Dave Stieb's no-hitter over three decades ago, underlining how rare and challenging an achievement a no-hitter truly is. The last time a team overcame such a significant gap after being no-hit through eight innings dates back to the 1990 White Sox against the Yankees, speaking volumes of the Mets' resilience and determination to turn the game around.
While the accolades for Francis's feats may be bittersweet given the outcomes, there is little doubt that he is making a name for himself in the league. His track record this season has spotlighted him as a notable pitcher to keep an eye on in the upcoming games.
As the season progresses, both Blue Jays fans and baseball enthusiasts will be watching closely to see if Francis can finally clinch the elusive no-hitter that has narrowly escaped him twice this season. His consistent performance and near-misses have not only captivated audiences but have also solidified his reputation as one of the top pitchers in the current rotation.