Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Bowden Francis fell heartbreakingly short of a no-hit milestone for the second time in less than a month, extending a streak of exceptional pitching that has captivated the baseball world.
In a tightly contested game against the New York Mets, Francis was electric, keeping the Mets hitless through eight innings. His command was unyielding as he navigated through the Mets lineup with remarkable efficiency, retiring the side on just six pitches in the eighth inning. However, the unsparing reality of baseball reared its head in the ninth inning when Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor launched a leadoff home run, dismantling Francis's no-hit bid.
This loss marks the second time in his last four starts that Francis has seen a no-hitter slip through his fingers. Just eighteen days prior, he experienced a similar fate when Taylor Ward of the Los Angeles Angels shattered his no-hit hopes with a ninth-inning home run. Such near-misses are a testament to Francis's dominant form, yet they also underscore the thin line between near-perfection and history.
Despite the heartache, Francis’s recent performances have been nothing short of extraordinary. In four of his last six starts, he has allowed zero or just one hit, with each outing stretching at least seven innings. Over his last 43 innings pitched, he has surrendered a mere 12 hits, showcasing a level of consistency and dominance that places him among the league's most formidable pitchers.
Against the Mets, Francis pitched eight innings with just one strikeout, a detail that highlights his ability to induce weak contact and let his defense do the work. Yet, despite his brilliance on the mound, baseball remains a team sport. The Mets capitalized on their opportunity, ultimately securing a 6-2 victory. This victory was crucial for the Mets as it helped them maintain their grip on the third and final National League wild-card spot.
The loss also brings a historical footnote into view—Dave Stieb's no-hitter for the Blue Jays on September 2, 1990, remains the franchise's last. The no-hit drought for the Blue Jays now stands at over three decades, with Francis coming agonizingly close to ending it twice in his last four outings.
The Mets' victory also holds a unique place in the annals of baseball. It represented the largest margin of victory by a team being no-hit through eight innings since the 1990 White Sox against the Yankees. Such instances are rare, making the Mets' comeback all the more remarkable.
This season, Francis’s near-miss was almost the fifth no-hitter of the 2024 MLB season. The league has seen a resurgence in dominant pitching performances, including a combined no-hitter by Shota Imanaga and two Chicago Cubs relievers against the Pittsburgh Pirates just a week before Francis's recent endeavor.
As the season progresses, all eyes will undoubtedly remain on Bowden Francis. His trajectory suggests that a no-hitter is not just a possibility, but an impending reality. Fans and analysts are taking notice, identifying Francis as a pitcher to watch in the coming games. Should he maintain this form, the long wait for the next Blue Jays no-hitter may soon come to an end.
For now, Francis’s remarkable streak serves as a reminder of baseball's inherent drama and unpredictability. It is a game where history can be made—or lost—in a single pitch. Bowden Francis stands as a paragon of perseverance and skill, poised on the brink of etching his name into the storied history of Major League Baseball.