Former Chiles pitcher Bowden Francis flirts with no-hitters in 2 of last 4 MLB starts

Bowden Francis attributes his streak of success to creating and following a good routine.

Not to mention making the most of his opportunities.

The former Chiles High and Chipola College pitcher has been chasing history with the Toronto Blue Jays, flirting with no-hitters heading into the ninth inning in two of his last four starts.

On Wednesday in Toronto, Francis lost his no-hit bid in the ninth against the New York Mets on a leadoff home run to NL MVP candidate Francisco Lindor. Though the Mets rallied to win 6-2, Francis continues to impress in a big way that reflects his 6-foot-5 stature.

Since returning to the team's starting rotation in late July, Francis has a 1.83 ERA over 54 innings. In his last seven games, the right-hander is 4-1 with a 1.50 ERA over 48 innings. His next start is expected in the the Blue Jays' four-game series that opens Tuesday in Texas.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

"Just being in a routine and getting a chance has been big for me," Bowden told the Tallahassee Democrat Thursday morning from Toronto.

Tallahassee pitching quintet enjoying solid seasons in Major League Baseball

Francis came close to a no-hitter last month, when he also surrendered a heart-breaking leadoff home run in the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Angels on Aug. 24. Francis is the first pitcher to lose two no-hit bids in the ninth inning during one season since Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan with Texas in 1989.

Lindor's home run Wednesday came on Francis' 111th pitch, only the second time this season he has thrown more than 100.

"It sucks for him that it's happened twice in the same fashion," Toronto manager John Schneider said to the media after the game. "But he was outstanding. Pitch mix was really good. I just can't speak enough to how he's evolved and how much he has taken from this opportunity."

Dave Stieb threw the only no-hitter in Blue Jays history at Cleveland on Sept. 2, 1990. Two years earlier, Stieb lost two no-hitters in the ninth.

"I keep hearing about him," Francis said and laughed.

Chipola College coach Jeff Johnson is happy and proud of Francis, a starter on the Indians' 2017 national title team.

"He came in here from Chiles and just kept working and working," Johnson said. "And he's reaping the awards from that hard work. His stats are just off the chart over the last five, six games. He's getting better and better."

Francis had committed to Florida State after his JUCO career, but opted to sign professionally. Francis was selected AL pitcher of the month for August, when he went 4-1 with a 1.05 ERA. He struck out 39 and walked four in six appearances, five starts.

Francis told the Democrat he has been relying on a splitter and two-seam fastball. He also said he has been "moving the ball around, studying hitters." Francis added to MLB.com after Wednesday's game that "I just feel like I’m getting my shot now and I’m trying to make the most of it. I’m trusting my stuff and trusting the people around me.”

Francis is also one of five pitchers with Tallahassee ties enjoying MLB success this season.

Former Lincoln and Florida State pitcher Tyler Holton (6-1) was nearly part of a combined no-hitter in the Detroit Tigers' 1-0 win over the visiting Baltimore Orioles Friday night.

The Orioles, however, snapped the bid with two outs in the ninth off Holton - the Tigers' fourth pitcher - when Gunnar Henderson ripped a triple. Holton ended the game with a swinging strikeout to remain perfect in eight save opportunities. One of the game's most reliable and versatile pitchers this season, the lefty owns a glittering 2.21 ERA. He has appeared in 60 games with seven starts.

Former NFC and FSU pitcher Cole Sands is 7-1 with a 2.95 ERA over 64 innings with the Minnesota Twins. The right-hander is 5-1 with a 1.59 ERA and 38 strikeouts over 35 innings in his last 30 appearances. He has relied on elite control and command of his pitches, walking just 1.14 hitters per nine innings.

Former NFC pitcher Cole Ragans pitched six solid innings and took over the AL lead in strikeouts (211) in the Royals' 4-3 extra-inning loss against the Yankees in New York Wednesday. Ragans, also an All-Star selection this season, retired 15 of the first 18 hitters he faced and had a 1-0 lead entering the bottom of the sixth. The Crawfordville native and 2016 first-round selection is 11-9 with 3.32 ERA over 173.1 innings pitched this season.

And former FSU pitcher Luke Weaver, who lives in Tallahassee, has transitioned smoothly from starter to reliever with the New York Yankees.

The right-hander earned a two-inning save in the Yankees' 5-4 win over the Boston Red Sox Friday night. for his second career save. Weaver also lowered his ERA to 3.09 in 58 appearances, his best ERA since 2019 (2.94 ERA) with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Weaver has struck out 12 over his last 5.2 scoreless innings while earning a win, two saves and a hold during that span. The nine-year MLB vet earned his first MLB save last week against the Chicago Cubs. He entered in the ninth inning with a 3-0 lead, fanning two and allowing no hits.