Bowden Francis's Near No-Hitter Bid Falls Short in Heartbreaking Fashion
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Bowden Francis has recently proven himself as one of the most intriguing and formidable pitchers in Major League Baseball. On Wednesday night, Francis came heartbreakingly close to achieving a no-hitter for the second time in just over two weeks, only to be denied once more in the late stages of the game.
Facing the New York Mets, Francis had meticulously worked through eight hitless innings. His performance raised the anticipation to a fever pitch as he entered the ninth inning with the elusive no-hitter within reach. However, Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor shattered the dream with a leadoff home run, marking the end of another near-perfect game for the rising star.
Francis, who had impressively retired the side on just six pitches in the eighth inning, displayed both his skill and efficiency. Yet, despite the dominant performance, the game spiraled out of the Blue Jays' favor. The Mets, catalyzed by Lindor's homer, went on to secure a 6-2 victory. This outcome not only crushed Francis' no-hitter bid but also highlighted the unpredictable nature of baseball.
The no-hitter that Toronto fans have been yearning for remains elusive. The last Blue Jays' pitcher to accomplish the feat was Dave Stieb, dating back to September 2, 1990. The Mets' ability to turn the tides late in the game also earned them a significant edge in maintaining their grip on the third and final National League wild-card spot.
This recent loss echoed another heart-wrenching game for Francis just eighteen days earlier. In that instance, facing the Los Angeles Angels, he lost another no-hitter in the ninth inning due to a home run by Taylor Ward. Such near-misses have become an intriguing, albeit agonizing, aspect of Francis's recent performances.
Despite the setbacks, Francis's recent form has been nothing short of spectacular. 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, Francis has conceded a mere 12 hits. These statistics paint the picture of a pitcher who is consistently dominant, even if the ultimate accolades have narrowly eluded him.
Intriguingly, Francis's eight innings against the Mets featured only one strikeout, yet his ability to keep hitters off balance and induce weak contact underscored his command and pitching acumen. It’s clear that his approach is not solely reliant on overpowering hitters but involves a nuanced understanding of how to navigate through a lineup effectively.
This game also holds historical significance beyond Francis’s near-miss. The Mets' victory marked the largest gap by a team being no-hit through eight innings since the 1990 White Sox against the Yankees. Francis's bid for a no-hitter could have been the fifth such achievement of the 2024 MLB season, had it not been for Lindor's timely homer.
The significance of near no-hitters in this season was further underscored by the fact that just a week prior, Shota Imanaga and two Chicago Cubs relievers combined to no-hit the Pittsburgh Pirates. This run of near-misses and actual no-hitters has added an extra layer of intrigue and excitement to the 2024 MLB season.
As Blue Jays' fans and the baseball community at large continue to watch Francis's outings with keen interest, the young pitcher has undoubtedly established himself as a formidable talent. While the quest for a complete game no-hitter remains ongoing, his performances have already solidified his reputation as a pitcher to watch in the coming games.
History has shown that the pursuit of perfection in baseball is often fraught with unexpected setbacks and heart-stopping moments. For Bowden Francis, his recent experiences, while disappointing, are a testament to his skill and potential to etch his name into the annals of baseball history.