Bowden Francis Falls Short in Ninth-Inning Heartbreak
In a remarkable display of pitching prowess, Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Bowden Francis flirted with history yet again. However, for the second time in his last four starts, Francis saw a no-hitter slip through his fingers in agonizing fashion. This time, the devastating blow came with a leadoff home run in the ninth inning, courtesy of Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor.
Francis's performance through the first eight innings was nothing short of masterful. He retired the side on just six pitches in the eighth inning, showcasing efficiency and control that kept the Mets' lineup off-balance. His dominance was evident, even though he recorded just one strikeout over the eight hitless innings.
Despite the valiant effort, the Blue Jays found themselves on the losing end of the contest, with the Mets securing a 6-2 victory. The long ball by Lindor not only crushed Francis's no-hit bid but also set the stage for a wider gap, making the Mets’ victory the largest margin by a team being no-hit through eight innings since the 1990 White Sox against the Yankees.
This near no-hitter marks the second such heartbreak Francis has endured in recent weeks. Eighteen days earlier, he lost another no-hit bid in the ninth inning to a home run by Taylor Ward of the Los Angeles Angels. The string of near-misses places Francis in a rare and unenviable spot as a pitcher repeatedly on the cusp of greatness.
Reflecting on Francis's recent form, it is clear that he has been consistently exceptional on the mound. Over his last six starts, he has allowed zero or just one hit in four outings, each of which lasted at least seven innings. This streak of excellence underscores his burgeoning reputation as a notable pitcher in the league. In fact, he has conceded just 12 hits over his last 43 innings pitched, an impressive feat by any measure.
The last time a Blue Jays pitcher achieved a no-hitter was on September 2, 1990, when Dave Stieb etched his name in the annals of MLB history. For Toronto fans, witnessing Francis’s recent near-misses invokes memories of Stieb's celebrated performance over three decades ago, highlighting the rarity and difficulty of accomplishing such a feat.
This recent encounter with the Mets could have marked the fifth no-hitter of the 2024 MLB season. Just a week prior, Shota Imanaga and two Chicago Cubs relievers combined to no-hit the Pittsburgh Pirates, keeping the excitement for potential no-hitters alive in this flourishing season.
The victory for the Mets was significant beyond just the numbers on the scoreboard. It helped them maintain their grip on the third and final National League wild-card spot, a crucial position as the postseason approaches. For the Mets, eking out a win against such dominant pitching underlines their resilience and capacity to perform under pressure.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Bowden Francis. His impressive streak and unyielding spirit on the mound have cemented him as a pitcher to watch closely in upcoming games. Each start now carries a sense of anticipation, as fans and analysts alike wonder if he will claim the elusive no-hitter that has twice slipped away at the brink of completion.
In conclusion, Bowden Francis's near no-hitter against the Mets is a testament to his skill and determination. While the top honor of a no-hitter has narrowly evaded him, his performances continue to light up the season, providing moments of brilliance and excitement for baseball enthusiasts worldwide.