Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Bowden Francis has once again found himself at the brink of baseball immortality, only to experience the bittersweet taste of near success. In his last four starts, Francis has twice been one inning away from achieving a no-hitter, painfully losing his bid in the ninth inning both times. The most recent heartbreaker came in a matchup against the New York Mets, where Francisco Lindor shattered Francis's dream with a leadoff home run in the ninth inning, leading the Mets to a 6-2 victory.
On a cool evening at the ballpark, fans witnessed Francis dominate the mound, delivering eight hitless innings that included a remarkable eight-pitch inning. His control and poise had the crowd on the edge of their seats as he faced the formidable Mets lineup. The last no-hitter for the Blue Jays was pitched by Dave Stieb on September 2, 1990, and the anticipation in the air was palpable as Francis inched closer to etching his name beside Stieb's in the history books.
Francis’s recent run of form has been nothing short of stellar. In four of his last six starts, he has given up zero or just one hit, with each outing lasting at least seven innings. Over his past 43 innings pitched, the right-hander has conceded a mere 12 hits, painting a picture of a pitcher in his prime. Despite his dominance, Francis managed just one strikeout in his near no-hitter against the Mets, relying on his defense to keep the no-hit bid alive deep into the game.
Frustration on the Brink of Triumph
Just eighteen days prior, Francis had a similar scenario unfold against the Los Angeles Angels. He held the Angels hitless until the ninth inning, only to see his efforts undone by a home run from Taylor Ward. The pattern, while frustrating, underscores the excellence and, equally, the heartbreak inherent in the pursuit of the rare and elusive no-hitter.
The story of Francis's recent heartbreaks is one that resonates across the baseball community, as fans and analysts alike recognize the razor-thin line between success and disappointment. Francis's performances put him on the radar as a pitcher to watch in the coming games, creating a narrative of resilience and skill.
The Bigger Picture
While Francis's bid for personal glory was noteworthy, the Mets had their own stakes in the game. The victory against the Blue Jays was crucial in helping the Mets maintain their grip on the third and final National League wild-card spot. The win marked the largest margin by a team being no-hit through eight innings since the 1990 White Sox against the Yankees, adding another layer of intrigue to an already dramatic game.
In the larger context of the 2024 MLB season, Francis's near-miss might have been the fifth no-hitter of the year. Just a week prior, Shota Imanaga and two Chicago Cubs relievers combined to no-hit the Pittsburgh Pirates. As fans of the sport appreciate, the narrative of near misses and successes fuels the ongoing drama of baseball.
As Bowden Francis takes the mound in future games, he'll do so with the knowledge that he's on the cusp of greatness. His recent outings have not only highlighted his potential but have also cemented his status as a key player for the Blue Jays. With each pitch, the anticipation builds, and the quest for that elusive no-hitter continues, reminding us all of the relentless pursuit and passion inherent in the game of baseball.