Bowden Francis Falls Short of History Again
In an electrifying display of pitching excellence, Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Bowden Francis came heartbreakingly close to a no-hitter for the second time in his last four starts. Facing the New York Mets, Francis delivered a masterful performance, holding the team hitless for eight innings before surrendering a leadoff home run in the ninth to shortstop Francisco Lindor. That shot ended another stellar bid for the elusive achievement.
Before that fateful hit, Francis was untouchable against the Mets. Demonstrating pinpoint control and an array of pitches that kept batters guessing, he retired the side on just six pitches in the eighth inning, showcasing efficiency rarely seen at this level. Yet, it was Lindor's crucial contact that shattered the no-hit dreams and set the tone for the Mets' eventual 6-2 victory.
Remarkably, this was not the first time Francis had experienced such near-miss anguish. Eighteen days earlier, he also saw a no-hit bid shattered in the ninth inning by another home run, this time off the bat of Taylor Ward of the Los Angeles Angels. Such consistent near-perfection places Francis in the spotlight, though his quest for a no-hitter remains unfulfilled.
Throughout his recent starts, Francis has established himself as one of MLB's most dominant pitchers. In four of his last six outings, he has allowed zero or just one hit, with each appearance lasting at least seven innings. Over his last 43 innings pitched, Francis has conceded a mere 12 hits, underscoring his formidable presence on the mound. His latest effort against the Mets was marked by only one strikeout, which highlights his ability to induce weak contact and control the game without heavily relying on overpowering hitters.
The last pitcher to throw a no-hitter for the Blue Jays was Dave Stieb on September 2, 1990. Over three decades have passed since that historic day, and Francis’s close calls have reignited memories and hopes among Blue Jays fans for the franchise’s next no-hitter. It is evident that Francis is on the brink of joining Stieb in the history books.
Despite his individual brilliance, the game underscored the Mets' resilience and tactical prowess. Their victory helped them solidify their grip on the third and final National League wild-card spot. The Mets' triumph was notable for being the largest gap by a team being no-hit through eight innings since the 1990 White Sox against the Yankees. This feat exemplified the unpredictable nature of baseball, where momentum can shift dramatically within moments.
Francis’s would-be no-hitter could have marked the fifth such feat of the 2024 MLB season. Just a week prior, Shota Imanaga and two Chicago Cubs relievers combined to no-hit the Pittsburgh Pirates, highlighting a season rich in outstanding pitching performances. While Francis came agonizingly close, his near-miss is a testament to the fine margins that separate success from heartbreak in baseball.
As for Francis, his recent performances have spotlighted him as a pitcher to watch in the coming games. With a track record of flirtation with greatness, anticipation builds around his potential to finally secure a place in the annals of baseball history. His journey continues to captivate and inspire, setting the stage for what could be a groundbreaking season.
While he fell short of the ultimate prize again, Bowden Francis’s near-flawless outings reaffirm his status as a top-tier pitcher. The baseball world watches in anticipation, waiting for the day he ascends to the pantheon of no-hit greats. Until that day comes, his talent and determination promise to thrill and inspire fans and pundits alike.