Bowden Francis Misses Another No-Hitter Bid
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Bowden Francis found himself heartbreakingly close to making history yet again, just eighteen days after his previous near-miss. This time, his bid for a no-hitter was thwarted by the New York Mets' shortstop, Francisco Lindor, who launched a leadoff home run in the ninth inning. Francis had impressively handled the Mets' lineup, working eight no-hit innings before the fateful homer.
Despite the commendable efforts, the Mets managed to secure a 6-2 victory, underscoring the fleeting nature of glory in baseball. As the game wore on, it seemed increasingly likely that Francis might achieve the Blue Jays' first no-hitter since Dave Stieb accomplished the feat on September 2, 1990. However, it was not meant to be, and fans were left to ponder how close their team came to witnessing history.
Francis has been a standout in recent games, demonstrating both skill and perseverance. In four of his last six starts, he has allowed zero or just one hit, with each outing lasting at least seven innings. Over his last 43 innings pitched, he has conceded a mere 12 hits, underlining his exceptional form. In the game against the Mets, Francis showcased his efficiency, retiring the side in the eighth inning on just six pitches. However, despite his dominant performance, his effort featured only one strikeout over the course of eight innings.
The recent run of nearly perfect games by Francis has captivated fans and analysts alike. His last missed opportunity came eighteen days prior against the Los Angeles Angels, where he surrendered a no-hit bid in the ninth inning to a home run by Taylor Ward. The repeated heartbreaks serve as a reminder of how challenging and rare no-hitters are in Major League Baseball.
Looking at the Mets, their victory over the Blue Jays was a crucial one, helping them maintain their grip on the third and final National League wild-card spot. It was a dramatic turnaround for the team, as they managed to turn a game where they were being no-hit through eight innings into a decisive 6-2 triumph. This victory marked the largest gap by a team being no-hit through eight innings since the 1990 Chicago White Sox against the New York Yankees.
Francis's performance could have contributed to the fifth no-hitter of the 2024 MLB season. Just a week before his near-miss, Shota Imanaga and two Chicago Cubs relievers combined to no-hit the Pittsburgh Pirates, illustrating the frequency of no-hitters in this particular season. Despite the missed milestone, Francis's consistent excellence on the mound continues to elevate his status as a pitcher to watch keenly in the upcoming games.
The longing for a no-hitter for the Blue Jays remains unquenched since Dave Stieb's unforgettable performance over three decades ago. However, with pitchers like Bowden Francis showcasing poise and an extraordinary level of skill, the hope for another no-hitter is very much alive. As the season progresses, the baseball world will undoubtedly keep a close eye on Francis, anticipating more moments of brilliance.