Toronto Blue Jays fans experienced yet another heartbreaker on the mound, as right-hander Bowden Francis fell tantalizingly short of a no-hitter, for the second time in just four starts. Francis, a rising star for the Blue Jays, saw his no-hit bid dashed in the ninth inning by the New York Mets' Francisco Lindor, who launched a leadoff home run, spoiling what could have been a historic night.
The game, held at Citi Field, saw Francis dominate early on, delivering eight hitless innings. He retired the side on just six pitches in the eighth, showcasing a blend of control and efficiency that had many believing this could be the Blue Jays' first no-hitter since Dave Stieb accomplished the feat on September 2, 1990.
Francis’s recent performances on the mound have been remarkable. Over his last six starts, he has surrendered zero or just one hit in four outings, each lasting at least seven innings. This has translated to allowing a mere 12 hits over his last 43 innings pitched, a testament to his consistency and command.
However, Lindor's home run in the ninth inning was not just a blow to Francis; it was a critical moment for the Mets. With their 6-2 victory, the Mets not only spoiled the no-hit bid but also strengthened their position, maintaining their grip on the third and final National League wild-card spot. The victory also marked the largest gap by a team being no-hit through eight innings since the Chicago White Sox against the New York Yankees in 1990.
This isn't the first time Francis has faced such disappointment. Just eighteen days earlier, he lost another no-hitter in the ninth inning to a home run by Taylor Ward of the Los Angeles Angels. Despite these near misses, analysts and fans alike have started to spotlight Francis as a notable pitcher to watch in the coming games.
The persistent nature of these close calls is indicative of the razor-thin margin for error at the highest level of professional baseball. Francis's eight innings against the Mets featured only one strikeout, relying heavily on his defensive support and pitch placement to maintain his hitless streak deep into the game.
The 2024 MLB season has already seen four no-hitters, and Francis's near-miss could have been the fifth. Just a week prior, Shota Imanaga and two Chicago Cubs relievers combined efforts to no-hit the Pittsburgh Pirates, adding to the season's rarity of such feats.
While the no-hitter may have slipped through Francis's fingers, his consistent excellence on the mound can't be overlooked. With each pitch, he continues to build a reputation as a formidable presence in the Blue Jays' rotation, offering fans and the baseball community reasons to keep a keen eye on his future performances.
Reflecting on the broader impact of his outing, Francis's bid was more than just a game statistic. It was a promise of potential, a nod to the hard work and perseverance required to excel at this level. For the Blue Jays, the wait for a new no-hitter continues, but with Francis on the mound, it seems just a matter of time before that milestone is reached once again.