Jays pitcher Bowden Francis loses no-hit bid in 9th inning in win over Angels

Bowden Francis lost his bid for a no-hitter when Taylor Ward led off the ninth inning with a solo home run, but the Toronto Blue Jays prevailed 3-1 against the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday.

Francis established career bests with 12 strikeouts and going eight-plus innings in his 117-pitch performance. After eight innings, Francis had thrown 111 pitches, 16 more than his career high.

He also one-hit the Angels in seven innings of work in Anaheim, Cali., on Aug. 12.

Ward's 17th homer spelled the end for Francis, however, as Chad Green recorded his 14th save.

Dave Stieb pitched the only no-hitter in Blue Jays history at Cleveland on Sept. 2, 1990.

The Blue Jays (62-68) defeated the Angels (54-77) for the sixth straight time across the past 12 days. Los Angeles has the second-lowest win total in the American League behind the Chicago White Sox's 31.

The 28-year-old Francis (7-3) continues to make a case for himself for a rotation spot in 2025.

His previous career highs were eight strikeouts, seven innings and 95 pitches.

The native of Tallahassee, Fla., who travels to and from Rogers Centre on an electric bicycle, began his outing by striking out the first four Angels. Francis did issue a one-out walk to Matt Thaiss and a two-out walk to Jo Adell in the second inning.

He also hit Ward in the third inning. But Ward was erased in an inning-ending double play. Francis later walked Anthony Rendon in the seventh.

The Blue Jays got all the runs they required in the opening inning. With one out, Daulton Varsho's dribbler down the first-base line forced a throwing error from Angels starter Carson Fulmer (0-5).

Varsho extended his on-base streak to 22 games, winding up at third by the time the Angels chased down the errant throw.

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