Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Bowden Francis continues to make headlines, albeit for the wrong reasons. Once again, the right-hander saw his no-hit bid shattered in a gut-wrenching ninth inning, marking the second time in his last four starts that he came tantalizingly close to achieving the elusive feat.
In a recent showdown against the New York Mets, Francis was nothing short of spectacular, working eight innings without surrendering a single hit. But the dream was dashed when Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor led off the ninth inning with a resounding home run. The pitcher's streak of nearly flawless innings came to a sudden and dramatic halt, reminding fans and players alike of the fine line between immortality and heartache in baseball.
Francis had previously experienced similar heartbreak just eighteen days earlier, when Taylor Ward of the Los Angeles Angels also denied him a no-hitter with a ninth-inning homer. Despite these crushing endings, Francis's overall performance has been extraordinary. In four of his last six starts, he has allowed zero or just one hit, with each appearance lasting at least seven innings. Over his last 43 innings pitched, he has conceded a mere 12 hits, showcasing his dominance on the mound.
His latest effort against the Mets saw him retire the side on just six pitches in the eighth inning, a testament to his efficiency and command. However, Francis's stellar outing was marred by the lack of run support and defensive lapses, as the Mets capitalized on their late-inning momentum to secure a 6-2 victory. This win bolstered the Mets' position in the tight National League wild-card race, underscoring the high stakes of the game.
A Glimpse of History
For the Blue Jays, the quest for a no-hitter remains elusive. The last time a Toronto pitcher etched his name into the annals of baseball history was over three decades ago when Dave Stieb achieved the feat on September 2, 1990. Francis's near-miss could have been the fifth no-hitter of the 2024 MLB season, adding to the already notable year that saw Shota Imanaga and two Chicago Cubs relievers combine to no-hit the Pittsburgh Pirates just a week prior.
Francis: A Pitcher to Watch
Despite the heartache, Bowden Francis has emerged as a pitcher to watch in the coming games. His ability to dominate opponents and flirt with no-hitters has captured the attention of fans and analysts alike. In his eight innings against the Mets, he remarkably recorded only one strikeout, relying instead on his pinpoint control and the defensive prowess of his teammates.
The Mets' victory highlighted an unusual statistic: it was the largest gap by a team being no-hit through eight innings since the 1990 White Sox against the Yankees. This underscores the rare nature of Francis's performance and the cruel twist of fate that saw it end so abruptly.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Bowden Francis. His near-misses have demonstrated his potential for greatness, and it's only a matter of time before he crosses that elusive threshold. For now, the young pitcher continues to hone his craft, with each outing further solidifying his reputation as a formidable presence on the mound.