Blue Jays' Francis loses no-hitter in 9th inning

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Bowden Francis took a no-hitter into the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday.

Taylor Ward denied Francis a chance at throwing the second no-no in Blue Jays history by hitting a home run to start the frame.

Francis struck out 12 batters and walked three in his dominant 117-pitch outing. He was replaced by closer Chad Green, who retired the next three batters to secure the 3-1 win.

Blue Jays manager John Schneider said postgame he had no intention of denying Francis a shot at history over pitch count concerns.

"(The game) was his until he gave up a hit," Schneider said, according to Sportsnet's Arden Zwelling.

Dave Stieb threw the only no-hitter in Blue Jays history on Sept. 2, 1990, against the Cleveland Indians.