Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Bowden Francis once again flirted with history but fell agonizingly short, losing his no-hit bid in the ninth inning against the New York Mets. Francis had stymied the Mets' lineup for eight innings, only to see his effort evaporate on a leadoff home run by shortstop Francisco Lindor. This was the second time in four starts that Francis lost a no-hitter in the final frame.
In what has become a familiar storyline, Francis was dominant throughout most of the game. The right-hander retired the side on just six pitches in the eighth inning, maintaining his laser-like focus and precision. However, his quest for a no-hitter, which would have been only the second in Blue Jays' history and the first since Dave Stieb's legendary performance on Sept. 2, 1990, was thwarted once again.
Just eighteen days prior, Francis experienced a similar heartbreak when he yielded a home run in the ninth inning to Taylor Ward of the Los Angeles Angels. This recurring theme of near-misses underscores both Francis's exceptional talent and the cruel unpredictability of baseball.
Despite the eventual setback, Francis's recent run of form has been nothing short of sensational. 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, Francis has conceded a mere 12 hits, a testament to his control and effectiveness on the mound. Notably, his eight innings against the Mets were punctuated by just one strikeout, showcasing his ability to pitch to contact and induce weak grounders and pop-ups.
The Blue Jays ultimately fell to the Mets, who went on to secure a 6-2 victory. This win was particularly significant for New York, as it helped them maintain their hold on the third and final National League wild-card spot. The victory also marked the largest margin of victory for a team being no-hit through eight innings since the 1990 White Sox against the Yankees.
Had Francis completed his no-hit bid, it would have been the fifth no-hitter of the 2024 MLB season. A mere week before his near-miss, Shota Imanaga and two Chicago Cubs relievers combined to no-hit the Pittsburgh Pirates, adding to the season's thrilling pitching duels. With Dave Stieb's no-hitter for the Blue Jays now more than three decades in the past, Toronto's fans and players alike are left to wonder what might have been.
As it stands, Bowden Francis has firmly placed himself in the spotlight as a pitcher to watch in the coming games. His remarkable consistency and near-unhittable presence on the mound have captivated baseball enthusiasts and analysts. While the elusive no-hitter has yet to materialize, Francis's performances speak volumes about his potential and promise as one of the premier pitchers in Major League Baseball.