Francisco Lindor makes heartwarming gesture after breaking up Bowden Francis no-hitter

Just a few days ago, Mets superstar Francisco Lindor played spoiler in what could've been MLB history for Bowden Francis. Again. Francis came within just a few outs of throwing a no-hitter for the second time in four starts, but Lindor took him deep for a leadoff home run in the top of the ninth inning on Wednesday.

You'll remember, that's exactly how Francis lost his last no-hit attempt. That time, Angels outfielder Taylor Ward started off the top of the ninth inning with a solo home run of his own. Of course, he also threw shade at Francis after the game, saying that he didn't feel like any of Francis's pitches were all that difficult to square up.

Lindor chose to take the high road in his own situation. The switch-hitter, according to Sportsnet's Buck Martinez (as relayed by him on Friday evening's broadcast) chose to sign a bat and send it to Francis as a show of admiration and respect following his own history-halting homer.

That's how it's done right there. We could all afford to be more like Lindor than Ward.

Lindor also spoke to the media after Wednesday's game about Blue Jays prospect Arjun Nimmala. He had a lot of great things to say about the future star shortstop. Read more about that conversation here.

Francisco Lindor all class after ending Bowden Francis no-hitter

It's nice to see a competitor like Lindor acknowledge the absolute clinic Francis put on over his team. Even though he only struck out a single batter during the contest, he had Mets bats fooled from top to bottom throughout the entire afternoon. There are undoubtedly many more players around the league secretly tipping their caps to Francis as lately he's been in a league of his own.

Francis, 28, has been utterly ridiculous as of late. He's made 11 starts this season and allowed just one hit four times already. Since Aug. 7, he's made seven starts and posting a sparkling 1.50 ERA while striking out 46 batters and walking only five in 48 innings of work.

At the beginning of the year, Francis won a spot in the Opening Day rotation but he lost his grip on it as quickly as he came across his new role. Now, he's looking much more like a long-term starter than mere minor league depth. Lindor's nod of appreciation is a nice gesture, as it shows that others around the league are beginning to take notice.