Bowden Francis (8-4, 3.72) came three outs away from throwing a no-hitter for the second time in his last four starts, losing it again as he gave up a homer to Francisco Lindor. Nonetheless, Francis still dominated the Mets on Wednesday afternoon.
Francis tossed 8+ innings, allowing just one run on one hit, walking one and punching out one, showing another incredible display of pitching. Sean Manaea (11-5, 3.43) also had a pretty good night. The veteran southpaw threw 6 2/3 innings, allowing just one run on three hits while walking four and striking out eight. Both starters were handed no decisions.
The Blue Jays scored the first run of the game in the bottom of the 4th when Davis Schneider drove in Vladimir Guerrero Jr. on a fielder’s choice.
With Francis three outs away from making history, Francisco Lindor spoiled the party as he hit a game-tying solo homer to make it one run apiece. After getting pulled, the Toronto crowd gave Francis a loud and well-deserved standing ovation as he walked off the mound toward the dugout.
Unfortunately for the Blue Jays, the Mets’ onslaught of runs would only begin. A sacrifice fly from Pete Alonso pushed one run across to give the Mets a 2-1 lead. Another sacrifice fly, this time from Starling Marte would also drive in a run, extending the Mets’ lead to 3-1. Francisco Alvarez would then hit a three-run shot, doubling the New York lead to 6-1.
An RBI single from Addison Barger would give the Blue Jays one run back, but nothing more. The Jays dropped their series to the Mets with a 6-2 loss.
The Blue Jays will get a day off on Thursday as they prepare to host the St. Louis Cardinals for another three-game series at home.
Kevin Gausman (12-11, 4.09) will take the ball for the Blue Jays, while Erick Fedde (8-9, 3.39) will toe the rubber for the Cardinals in game one on Friday night.
