Bowden Francis has stepped up in the Toronto Blue Jays starting rotation recently, and his recent success continued in today’s outing as the Blue Jays beat the Chicago Cubs 1-0.
Francis struck out seven batters, giving up only three base runners in a 7.0-inning masterpiece for the righty.
Not only did Francis hold the Cubs to three hits, but Chicago’s runners only managed to reach scoring position twice while facing Francis.
Francis has now only allowed three earned runs in his last three starts, pitching 19.0 innings in that span (1.42 ERA). Francis has also collected 22 strikeouts in those three games.
There has also been a notable difference in the starting pitcher’s WHIP since the All-Star break. Before the break, Francis posted a 1.47 WHIP in 38.2 innings. Since then, his WHIP in 19.0 innings is at 0.72.
Francis will likely be a part of the 2025 rotation if he can keep up this stretch till the end of the season. Many in the Blue Jays front office believed Francis had this potential, and that said potential is starting to blossom.
In terms of scoring in the game, only one run came across the plate between the two teams. Joey Loperfido slugged his first home run for the Blue Jays off Cubs SP Shota Imanaga in the second inning. Loperfido had two hits in the game and now has three hits in his last four games played.
Imanaga lasted 5.0 innings, allowing an earned run on four hits. Imanaga is having an impressive rookie season for the Cubs, posting a 3.16 ERA in 128.1 innings with a solid WHIP of 1.08.
Toronto’s Alejandro Kirk and George Springer also picked up two hits in today’s game. Springer had one hit in each of the three games in the series after cooling off a little in the Jays’ previous series against the Los Angeles Angels.
For Toronto, they end the six-game road trip 4-2, with a sweep of the Los Angeles Angels. Despite losing the series to the Cubs, Toronto was in all three games, being beaten by the Cubs by a run both times in the first two games.
The Blue Jays now head home to start a seven-game homestand beginning tomorrow night against the Cincinnati Reds.
Starting for Toronto is Kevin Gausman, who’s coming off two great starts of two earned runs combined in 15.0 innings pitched.
Meanwhile, the Reds have not announced their starter for the series opener. Hunter Greene was scheduled to pitch on Monday, but the righty was placed on the injured list yesterday with elbow soreness.
