Toronto Blue Jays right-handed starter Bowden Francis got here inside three outs of throwing the fourth no-hitter of the season and the 326th no-hitter in Main League Baseball historical past on Saturday in a 3-1 win towards the Los Angeles Angels (field rating).
Francis required 111 pitches to get by the primary eight innings. He struck out 12 of the 27 batters he confronted and issued three walks within the course of. However, he acquired the chance to shut out historical past. Alas, Francis subsequently surrendered a leadoff residence run to Taylor Ward to start the ninth, ending the no-no, the shutout, and his afternoon multi function swoop. He was changed by reliever Chad Inexperienced.
Francis, 28, entered Saturday having compiled a 4.38 ERA (93 ERA+) and a 3.63 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 21 video games this season. Saturday represented his eighth begin of the yr, and his third consecutive high quality begin. Francis has appeared to determine one thing out as of late, as he is now surrendered one run or fewer whereas pitching at the least seven innings in every of his final three appearances.
The Blue Jays scored two of their three runs within the first inning, one on a Vladimir Guerrero double and the opposite on a double by Joey Loperfido. Guerrero added a solo residence run within the backside of the eighth to place the sport additional out of attain.
The three prior no-hitters this season have been thrown by Houston Astros right-hander Ronel Blanco (towards the Blue Jays on April 1); San Diego Padres right-hander Dylan Stop (versus the Washington Nationals in July); and San Francisco Giants lefty Blake Snell, the reigning Nationwide League Cy Younger Award recipient (towards the Cincinnati Reds in early August). There has not been a mixed no-hitter since final July, when three Detroit Tigers pitchers teamed as much as clean these Blue Jays.
The Blue Jays have recorded only one no-hitter in franchise historical past. That was delivered by Dave Stieb towards the Cleveland Guardians again in 1990. Brandon Morrow did come an out away from recording a no-no of his personal in 2010 towards the Tampa Bay Rays. Morrow’s effort was thwarted by Evan Longoria.
