Blue Jays' Bowden Francis: Blanks BoSox in no-decision
Rotowire
Francis came away with a no-decision in Tuesday's 6-5 extra-inning loss to the Red Sox, allowing three hits and a walk over five scoreless innings. He struck out four.
In his final start of the season, Francis saw his quality-start streak snapped at seven when he got the hook after just 71 pitches (48 strikes), but he still ended a breakout campaign on a high note. The right-hander developed a splitter in the minors and moved back into the big-league rotation after the All-Star break, and the new pitch helped him deliver a dazzling 1.80 ERA, 0.60 WHIP and 58:8 K:BB through 65 innings. Francis has put himself firmly in Toronto's 2025 pitching plans.
Blue Jays' Bowden Francis: Logs seventh straight quality start
Rotowire
Francis (8-5) took the loss against the Rangers on Wednesday, allowing two runs on five hits and one walk over six innings. He struck out six.
Francis allowed the leadoff man to reach in each of the first two innings but didn't surrender a run in the contest until the bottom of the sixth when Adolis Garcia took him deep for a two-run homer. Those would be the only runs allowed on the night for the right-hander, who's now given up at least one long ball in three consecutive outings. It marked Francis' seventh straight quality start, though he's now taken losses in two of his last three trips to the mound after previously winning four in a row. Despite the two losses, he still carries a strong 2.70 ERA through three September outings and has posted six strikeouts in two of his last three starts.
Blue Jays' Bowden Francis: Loses no-hitter in the ninth
Rotowire
Francis allowed one run on one hit and one walk over eight innings Wednesday in a no-decision against the Mets. He struck out one.
Francis lost a no-hitter in the ninth inning for the second time in his last four starts. The right-hander issued just one walk through eight innings before Francisco Lindor smacked a game-tying homer to lead off the ninth. Despite another tough finish, Francis has been spectacular of late. Overall, the 28-year-old Francis is 8-4 on the season with a 3.50 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 82:20 K:BB over 92.2 innings. He's currently lined up for a road matchup with the Rangers next week in his next start.
Blue Jays' Bowden Francis: Another quality start in loss
Rotowire
Francis (8-4) took the loss Wednesday against the Phillies, allowing three runs on six hits over six innings. He struck out six.
While Francis ultimately took his first loss since Aug. 4, the right-hander turned in another strong effort against the Phillies. Francis allowed a solo home run to Kyle Schwarber in the first inning and a two-run shot to Kody Clemens in the second before holding Philadelphia scoreless over his final four frames. The 28-year-old Francis had allowed just four runs over his previous five starts (34 innings) while posting a stellar 0.38 WHIP in that span. Overall, his ERA sits at 3.72 on the year with a 0.99 WHIP and 81:19 K:BB across 84.2 innings this year. Francis is currently slated to face the Mets at home in his next outing.
