Francis Falls Short of No-Hitter Again
For the second time in his last four starts, Toronto Blue Jays' right-hander Bowden Francis came agonizingly close to securing a no-hitter, only to watch it slip away in the final moments. This time, it was a ninth-inning leadoff home run by Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor that shattered what could have been a historic achievement.
Prior to Lindor's home run, Francis worked eight hitless innings, showcasing his remarkable command and control. In the eighth inning, he retired the side on a mere six pitches, striking out just one batter over the entire course of the game. Despite his efforts, the Mets ultimately secured a 6-2 victory. This game has now etched its place in baseball history as the longest no-hit bid disrupted by such a significant run margin since the 1990 White Sox did so against the Yankees.
This near miss marks the second time Francis has lost a no-hit bid in the ninth inning within the span of eighteen days. The first was a heartbreaking home run by Taylor Ward of the Los Angeles Angels, which also spoiled an otherwise unimpeachable performance. However, these close calls are not isolated incidents for the 27-year-old pitcher. In four of his last six starts, Francis has either allowed zero or just one hit, with each outing lasting at least seven innings. Over his last 43 innings pitched, he has conceded a paltry 12 hits.
Such consistency has inevitably drawn attention. Francis is now being spotlighted as a notable pitcher to watch in upcoming games. His extraordinary form is evinced by his ability to stifle batters repeatedly, inching tantalizingly near historic feats time and again.
The Blue Jays last celebrated a no-hitter over three decades ago, courtesy of Dave Stieb on September 2, 1990. Stieb's achievement remains a cherished memory for Toronto fans, and every opportunity for another no-hitter rekindles hopes and memories of that momentous day.
Interestingly, if Francis had maintained his no-hit bid, it would have stood as the fifth no-hitter of the 2024 MLB season, highlighting just how rare and significant such an event is in the world of professional baseball. A week before Francis's near-miss, Shota Imanaga, along with two Chicago Cubs relievers, combined to no-hit the Pittsburgh Pirates, further underlining the elite company in which Francis finds himself right now.
For the Mets, Lindor's crucial hit did more than just end Francis's shot at history—it also reinforced their positioning in the highly competitive National League wild-card race. This victory allowed them to solidify their grip on the third and final postseason spot, demonstrating that even when flirting with being no-hit, resilient determination can turn games around.
Bowden Francis's nearly impeccable form has not only solidified his place as a key player for the Blue Jays but has also captivated the attention of baseball enthusiasts far and wide. As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching to see if he can finally cross the elusive no-hitter threshold. One thing is certain: Toronto's right-hander has firmly placed himself in the conversation among the league's most promising pitching talents.