Francis Loses Another No-Hit Bid in Dramatic Ninth-Inning Letdown
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Bowden Francis continues to ride a wave of near-perfection and heartbreak this season. Francis, once again, was on the cusp of achieving the elusive no-hitter, only to see it crumble in the ninth inning. What seemed like a certain no-hitter metamorphosed into a humbling loss when he surrendered a leadoff home run to New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor.
Francis displayed pristine control and composure throughout eight hitless innings, his mastery of the mound evidenced by retiring the side on just six pitches in the eighth inning. Yet, the coveted no-hitter eluded him in the fatal ninth inning, marking the second time in his last four starts that he has lost a no-hit bid under similar circumstances.
In what can be described as a cruel twist of fate, this game mirrored his heartbreaking experience just eighteen days prior, when he lost another no-hitter in the ninth inning to the Los Angeles Angels' Taylor Ward. The Toronto Blue Jays have longed for a no-hitter for over three decades, the last being pitched by Dave Stieb on September 2, 1990. The anticipation and excitement surrounding another potential no-hitter for the franchise added extra weight to Francis’s heart-wrenching performance.
Grit and Determination
Francis's ability to deliver standout performances is evident. In four of his last six starts, the right-hander has allowed zero or just one hit, with each outing lasting at least seven innings. This remarkable consistency has seen him concede just 12 hits over his last 43 innings pitched, a testament to his strategic prowess and endurance on the mound.
Despite giving up the home run to Lindor, Francis's eight innings against the Mets were marked by resilience and focus, highlighted by an uncharacteristic minimal strikeout count of just one. His precision and ability to pitch out of key moments demonstrated his growing maturity and spotlighted him as a pitcher to watch in upcoming games.
Mets Secure Crucial Victory
The New York Mets capitalized on their ninth-inning momentum, ultimately securing a 6-2 victory over the Blue Jays. The game was significant for the Mets as it helped them solidify their grip on the third and final National League wild-card spot—a crucial position as the regular season narrows down to its wire.
The Mets’ victory also stands out historically. It was the largest deficit overcome by a team being no-hit through eight innings since the Chicago White Sox achieved a similar feat against the New York Yankees in 1990. Such a dramatic turnaround highlights the unpredictable and thrilling nature of baseball, where fortunes can change with a single swing of the bat.
Almost Another No-Hitter
Had Francis completed the no-hitter, it would have been the fifth of the 2024 MLB season. The excitement surrounding his near-miss was heightened by recency bias—just a week prior, Shota Imanaga and two Chicago Cubs relievers combined to no-hit the Pittsburgh Pirates. These near-miss stories fuel the magic and lore around baseball’s most admirable individual achievement for a pitcher.
As Bowden Francis continues to chase that elusive no-hitter, he embodies the relentless pursuit and unpredictable drama inherent in the sport. Each close call reaffirms the rarity and difficulty of the feat, while also highlighting the talent and determination of pitchers like Francis who come ever so close, only to be thwarted at the final moment. Fans of the Blue Jays and baseball enthusiasts alike will undoubtedly keep a keen eye on Francis as he strives to transition his near-misses into historic triumphs.