Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Bowden Francis found himself at the edge of baseball history yet again, only to see it slip away in agonizing fashion. For the second time in his last four starts, Francis flirted with a no-hitter, demonstrating why he is quickly being spotlighted as one of the most captivating pitchers in the game today.
On a warm night at Citi Field, Francis was immaculate through eight innings, shutting down the New York Mets with a mix of tantalizing pitches. His command was impeccable; he was efficient and composed, retiring the side in the eighth inning on just six pitches. The anticipation built with each out, the crowd sensing the historic moment brewing on the mound.
However, the promise of a rare no-hit triumph was shattered when Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor led off the ninth inning with a solo home run. It was a cruel twist for Francis, who had been flawless up to that point. The collective gasp from the crowd underscored the drama that unfolded in mere seconds, as Lindor's swing sent the ball sailing over the fence, ending Francis's bid for baseball immortality.
"It was a great run, but that’s baseball," Francis later remarked. His stoic demeanor belied the heartbreak of having come so close, only to have victory snatched away in the final moments.
This latest near-miss came just eighteen days after Francis's previous brush with a no-hitter ended in a similarly devastating fashion. In that game, Los Angeles Angels' Taylor Ward homered in the ninth inning to thwart Francis’s bid. These back-to-back close calls have shown both the brilliance and the cruel unpredictability of baseball.
A Notable Performance Streak
Francis’s performance in recent outings has been nothing short of spectacular. In four of his last six starts, he has conceded zero or just one hit, with each outing lasting at least seven innings. Over his last 43 innings pitched, he has given up only 12 hits, a testament to his dominating presence on the mound.
Despite the heartbreak, Francis's eight innings against the Mets were notable for their efficiency, marked by just one strikeout. His ability to keep batters off balance and induce weak contact highlights the skill set that makes him such an enticing figure for Blue Jays fans and baseball enthusiasts alike.
A Continuing Search for a No-Hit Gem
For the Blue Jays, the wait for a no-hitter continues. The last time a Toronto pitcher etched his name into the history books with a no-hitter was on September 2, 1990, by Dave Stieb. Stieb’s achievement still stands as a landmark moment in the franchise's history, and fans are eagerly awaiting the next hero to join those ranks.
The Mets' victory, meanwhile, played a crucial role in their playoff push. The 6-2 win helped them maintain their grip on the third and final National League wild-card spot, adding a layer of significance to the game beyond Francis's near-miss. It was the largest victory margin by a team being no-hit through eight innings since the 1990 White Sox against the Yankees, underscoring the dramatic turns that unfolded.
The Larger Picture
Francis’s near no-hitter bid could have marked the fifth no-hitter of the 2024 MLB season, adding to what has already been an exceptional year for pitchers. Just a week prior to Francis’s effort, Shota Imanaga and two Chicago Cubs relievers combined to no-hit the Pittsburgh Pirates, reminding everyone that magic can happen on any given night.
As the season progresses, all eyes will undoubtedly remain on Bowden Francis. His recent performances have positioned him as a pitcher to watch, with the potential to deliver the next unforgettable moment on the mound. The heartbreak of near-misses will surely fuel his drive, making his upcoming starts must-watch events for fans and analysts alike.
For now, Francis and the Blue Jays will regroup, taking solace in the brilliance displayed even in defeat, and looking to channel that into future successes. After all, the journey to a no-hitter is as much about resilience as it is about talent, and Bowden Francis has shown he has both in ample supply.