In a dramatic showdown at Citi Field, Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Bowden Francis flirted with history for the second time in his last four starts, losing a bid for a no-hitter in heartbreakingly familiar fashion. This time, it was a ninth-inning leadoff home run by Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor that shattered Francis's dream of etching his name in MLB lore.
Francis had been untouchable through eight innings, mesmerizing the Mets' lineup and giving Toronto hopes of their first no-hitter since Dave Stieb's memorable feat on September 2, 1990. In just six pitches, he seamlessly retired the side in the eighth inning, only to see his hard work undone with one swing from Lindor. The moment marked a cruel echo of eighteen days prior, when a similar ninth-inning home run by Taylor Ward of the Los Angeles Angels had dashed his no-hit aspirations.
The game's final score stood at 6-2 in favor of the Mets, who, despite Francis’s dominance, managed to pull off an impressive come-from-behind victory. Although dreams of a no-hitter slipped away, Francis's stellar performance wasn't lost on anyone. Over his last 43 innings pitched, the Toronto ace has conceded just 12 hits, solidifying his reputation as one of baseball's most formidable pitchers. His eight innings against the Mets featured only one strikeout, showcasing his efficient and effective ability to induce contact and retire hitters.
Francis's precise pitching has been extraordinary, especially in an era where power and strikeouts dominate the narrative. In four of his last six starts, he has allowed zero or just one hit, making each outing a testament to the art of pitching. Remarkably, every one of those starts lasted at least seven innings, underscoring his endurance and consistency on the mound.
The Mets' victory wasn't just a testament to their resilience but also a pivotal moment in their pursuit of the National League wild-card spot. The result was particularly noteworthy as it marked the largest gap by a team being no-hit through eight innings since the 1990 White Sox against the Yankees. With the win, the Mets retained their grip on the third and final wild-card berth, adding an extra layer of significance to their triumph against a dominant Francis.
Francis's near miss could have been the fifth no-hitter of the 2024 MLB season, an achievement both tantalizingly close and yet so elusive. Just a week earlier, Shota Imanaga and two Chicago Cubs relievers had combined to no-hit the Pittsburgh Pirates, showcasing how truly rare and special no-hitters remain in today’s game. Had Francis succeeded, it would have been another chapter in what has already been an intriguing and historic season for pitchers.
Despite the heartbreak, Bowden Francis has earned the admiration and watchful eyes of baseball enthusiasts and analysts alike. With such performances, it’s clear that his name will be one to remember as the season progresses. His ability to dominate hitters and carry games deep into late innings without conceding hits highlights his potential for future greatness.
Dave Stieb's no-hitter may remain the last in Toronto Blue Jays history for now, but with Francis leading their rotation, fans have every reason to dream again. As Francis continues to hone his craft and deliver stellar outings, the possibility of witnessing history seems ever more within reach.
In a sport where the unexpected is always just a pitch away, Bowden Francis's season thus far has offered a thrilling reminder of baseball’s enduring allure and the fine line between glory and heartbreak on the diamond.