Bowden Francis's Near No-Hitter Ends in Heartbreak
Bowden Francis of the Toronto Blue Jays faced a heart-wrenching moment as his no-hit bid shattered for the second time in his last four starts. Despite a commanding performance, Francis allowed a leadoff home run in the ninth inning, dashing hopes of achieving a milestone in Major League Baseball.
Francis delivered an astounding eight hitless innings before yielding a homer to Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor in the ninth inning. The right-hander had retired the side on just six pitches in the eighth, showcasing his dominant control and precision on the mound.
The Toronto Blue Jays have not celebrated a no-hitter since Dave Stieb’s remarkable feat on September 2, 1990, making Francis's near-miss a moment of both nostalgia and disappointment for the fans. The Mets ultimately secured a 6-2 victory, with their triumph further solidifying their grip on the third and final National League wild-card spot.
Francis’s frustration must have felt palpable, as this was not the first time he nearly etched his name into the history books. Eighteen days earlier, his no-hitter was disrupted in the ninth inning by a home run from Taylor Ward of the Los Angeles Angels. Despite these setbacks, Francis’s performance in the last six starts remains impressive.
In four of his last six outings, the pitcher has allowed zero or just one hit, with each appearance lasting at least seven innings. Over his last 43 innings pitched, Francis conceded a mere 12 hits, underscoring his prowess and consistency on the mound. Interestingly, his eight-inning stint against the Mets only featured one strikeout, highlighting his ability to induce weak contact and rely on his defense.
Although the Mets’ victory widened a gap seldom seen in games where a team is being no-hit through eight innings, it underscored the resilience and determination of the Mets’ lineup. This win marked the largest deficit overcome by a team no-hit through eight innings since the 1990 Chicago White Sox against the New York Yankees.
If Francis had been able to complete his no-hit bid, it would have marked the fifth no-hitter of the 2024 MLB season. Just a week before Francis’s near achievement, Shota Imanaga and two Chicago Cubs relievers combined efforts to no-hit the Pittsburgh Pirates, reminding fans of the elusiveness and rarity of no-hit games.
As the MLB season progresses, all eyes will undoubtedly be on Bowden Francis. His consistent, high-caliber performances have not only made him a notable pitcher to watch but have also kindled a renewed sense of excitement and anticipation among baseball enthusiasts.
In a sport where historic moments are few and far between, Francis’s close encounters with no-hitters add a poignant chapter to the ongoing narrative of the Toronto Blue Jays and Major League Baseball.