Caballero’s two-run homer off Kelly in 10th lifts Rays over Dodgers

August 25, 2024

José Caballero hit a tiebreaking two-run homer off Joe Kelly in the 10th inning after Tampa Bay blew a 4-0 lead in the first and the Rays rallied past the Los Angeles Dodgers 9-8 on Saturday night.

TORONTO — With a no-hit bid intact and 111 pitches thrown, Bowden Francis took the mound for the top of the ninth inning.

Only three outs separated him from Blue Jays history, and even if his arm was tiring and his stuff was diminishing he had a real chance to do something exceptional. The only no-hitter in Blue Jays franchise history belonged to Dave Stieb, the seven-time all-star who held Cleveland hitless on Sept. 2, 1990, after many near misses. With a few more pitches, Francis had a chance to join him.

But Angels leadoff hitter Taylor Ward worked a tough at-bat to lead off the ninth, and on Francis’s 117th pitch of the day, he left a 91 m.p.h. fastball over the outside corner. Ward crushed it over the left-centre field wall, and the no-hit bid ended.

Within moments, the Blue Jays went to the bullpen for Chad Green, who would soon close out a 3-1 win in which the Blue Jays allowed just one hit. But even if no history was made Saturday, this was a stunning performance that delighted the crowd of 34,011 at Rogers Centre.

As Francis walked off the mound, the fans stood in appreciation of what they’d just seen.

“That was huge,” Francis recalled afterwards. “I have chills now. Hearing that crowd was one of the best (feelings). Never take it for granted.”

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Francis struck out 12 and walked three while allowing just one hit — Ward’s home run. While Toronto relievers warmed up behind him as the game progressed, manager John Schneider elected to let Francis keep pitching on his way to a new career high in pitches.

“Bowden’s battled for a lot of years to have gotten to this point, so I didn’t want to take anything away from him,” Schneider said. “That was his until he gave up a hit.”

Mentally, Francis stayed calm by closing his eyes and repeating affirmations to himself in the dugout between innings. He told himself to stay on attack with each pitch, to trust catcher Brian Serven and to believe in his defence.

Physically, he felt strong. He got a second wind around the seventh inning and was ready to go even deeper into the game if needed.

“I was just hoping they’d let me ride and see what happens,” Francis said. “My body’s prepared for a lot. I was ready to go however far I needed to go.”

Once Francis finally did allow a hit, Schneider headed for the mound. He was there to take the ball from his starter, but also to offer a message.

“Hey, just stay present right now,” the manager told the pitcher. “Enjoy what you’re about to hear from the crowd.”

Walking back to the dugout in his baby blue uniform, Francis took in the applause and tipped his cap.

“Just incredible,” Francis recalled. “I felt love.”

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Over the course of his last three outings, Francis has now posted a 0.82 ERA with 27 strikeouts in 22 innings — easily the best stretch of his MLB career.

“He’s been incredible,” Vladimir Guerrero Jr. said through interpreter Hector Lebron. “Today was unbelievable. He works very hard. I’m very proud of him right now.”

The outing offers a reminder of the potential Francis has, as he consistently worked ahead of Angels hitters, located his fastball well and relied heavily on his splitter to induce weak contact. It’s a highly encouraging step for a pitcher sure to factor in the Blue Jays’ 2025 rotation plans.

While the workload represented a career high for Francis, the Blue Jays already had plans in place to ensure their starting pitchers get extra rest down the stretch. The rotation may make one more start on regular rest, but there are five off days in September, and the likes of Jake Bloss, Ryan Yarbrough and Paolo Espino could be inserted into the rotation at times.

As for Francis, he’s currently on track to make his next start as scheduled.

“He takes really good care of himself,” Schneider said. “He’s physically strong. We’ll see how the next couple of days unfold and go from there.”

That extra rest should help everyone from veteran starters like Kevin Gausman, Chris Bassitt and Jose Berrios to those establishing themselves in the rotation like Francis and Yariel Rodríguez.

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Offensively, the Blue Jays did just enough to support Francis.

In the first inning, Guerrero Jr. drove home Daulton Varsho, who had reached on a single and advanced to third on some comically sloppy defence by the Angels. Two batters later, Joey Loperfido doubled home Guerrero Jr. for the game’s second run, as the left fielder’s hot hitting continued.

Later, Guerrero Jr. would add an insurance run with a no-doubt home run to centre field, his 27th of the season.

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It’s possible this recent run of success hints at even greater potential for Francis, now 28. Maybe he’ll be a fixture in the Toronto rotation for years to come.

But even if that never happens, no one can take away this day where history was within reach, his teammates had his back and the home crowd was with him every pitch of the way.

“This game will humble you quick,” Francis said. “Be grateful for the outing. Be grateful for everyone around me.”

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Caballero’s two-run homer off Kelly in 10th lifts Rays over Dodgers

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