Blue Jays' Francis loses no-hit bid in 9th during loss to Mets

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Bowden Francis carried a no-hitter into the ninth inning against the New York Mets on Wednesday before Francisco Lindor hit a game-tying home run to end the bid and start a rally for his club that would result in a 6-2 victory.

"With that many pitches (111), I felt like I had to empty the tank with heaters and let him put the ball in play," Francis said, according to the Associated Press.

The Mets scored six runs in the ninth to spoil Francis' terrific afternoon, with relievers Chad Green and Génesis Cabrera combining to allow five earned runs on four walks, three hits, and a three-run homer courtesy of Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez.

Francis also carried a no-hitter into the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Angels on Aug. 24 before Taylor Ward broke it up with a homer.

"It sucks for him that it's happened twice in the same fashion," Blue Jays manager John Schneider said.

The 28-year-old also didn't allow a hit until the sixth frame against the Boston Red Sox on Aug. 29.

Francis has been nearly unhittable in his last six starts, allowing a combined 13 hits across 43 innings pitched.

"I just can't speak enough to how he's evolved and how much he has taken from this opportunity," Schneider said.

The Blue Jays have lost two of those six outings.