Francis's Commanding Performance Derailed by Ninth-Inning Homer
In an era where no-hitters are becoming rarer, Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Bowden Francis came tantalizingly close to etching his name in the record books once again. For the second time in just four starts, Francis saw a potential no-hitter slip through his fingers, this time against the New York Mets. Though the Blue Jays' pitcher had been a maestro on the mound, crafting eight hitless innings, it was a leadoff home run in the ninth by Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor that shattered the dream.
Leading up to this gut-wrenching moment, Francis had displayed unparalleled control and precision. He made quick work of the Mets' lineup, even retiring the side on just six pitches in the eighth inning. The near-miss came just eighteen days after another no-hitter bid was lost in the ninth inning to a home run by the Los Angeles Angels' Taylor Ward. Such near-misses, while heartbreaking, underscore the potential brilliance of Francis's arm.
In fact, Francis's recent performances have placed him in a league of his own. Across his last six starts, the right-hander has been almost unhittable. He's conceded zero or just one hit in four of those games, each outing lasting at least seven innings. Over the last 43 innings pitched, he's permitted a paltry 12 hits, reflecting an extraordinary level of dominance.
However, the lack of offensive support meant his stellar performance wasn’t enough to secure the win. The Mets ultimately secured a 6-2 victory, a margin that proved to be the largest gap by a team being no-hit through eight innings since the 1990 White Sox against the Yankees. Despite the loss, Francis's brilliance on the mound has not gone unnoticed.
Moreover, the broader context of the game further highlights the significance of this outing. The Mets' victory helped them maintain their grip on the third and final National League wild-card spot, adding an extra layer of intensity to the proceedings. Meanwhile, for the Blue Jays, the last no-hitter pitched was courtesy of Dave Stieb on September 2, 1990, a milestone untouched for over three decades.
The 2024 MLB season had already witnessed four no-hitters before Francis's attempt. Just a week prior to his near-miss, Shota Imanaga and two Chicago Cubs relievers combined to no-hit the Pittsburgh Pirates, showcasing the heightened competition among pitchers this season. Another near-miss could have elevated Francis to an elite echelon, reminding fans of the rare artistry and skill involved in achieving a no-hitter.
Francis’s eight-inning showdown with the Mets was marked by efficient, if not overpowering, pitching; he recorded only one strikeout during the game. This speaks volumes about his strategy on the mound, prioritizing control and accuracy over sheer velocity. His mastery in keeping hitters off-balance and inducing weak contact has become his hallmark.
As the season progresses, Francis's performances will undoubtedly be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. His current trajectory positions him as a notable pitcher to watch, offering glimpses of greatness interspersed with moments of sheer heartbreak. Each start becomes an opportunity for redemption and potentially rewriting baseball history.
The youthful right-hander's journey is a testament to resilience and the unpredictable nature of baseball. His recent brush with history highlights both the fragile beauty and brutal finality of the game, where one pitch can make all the difference. For Blue Jays fans, and baseball enthusiasts in general, Bowden Francis represents a beacon of hope, a reminder of the extraordinary talent that can emerge in the MLB. The anticipation for his next start will undoubtedly be electric, as the baseball world waits to see if he can finally overcome the elusive barrier of the ninth inning.