CLEVELAND (AP) — In his first complete game, Andrew Abbott pitched brilliantly, allowing just three hits and leading the Cincinnati Reds to a 1-0 victory over the Cleveland Guardians on Tuesday night, with Spencer Steer delivering an RBI single in the fifth inning.
Abbott (6-1) recorded five strikeouts and issued one walk during his 110-pitch performance, rebounding from his previous loss to Milwaukee on June 4th. This marked the first nine-inning shutout by a Cincinnati pitcher since Wade Miley no-hit Cleveland at Progressive Field on May 7, 2021.
Steer’s sharp single to right off Slade Cecconi (1-3) brought home Wilbenson, but the Reds’ innings were curtailed by impressive defensive plays from first baseman Carlos Santana in foul territory.
The Reds have now won five consecutive games and are undefeated in the first five contests of the Ohio Cup series during manager Terry Francona’s return to Cleveland.
Cecconi achieved a career-high with eight strikeouts over five innings, allowing four hits; however, since May 25th, the team has stumbled, posting a 1-4 record at home.
The Guardians’ third baseman, Jose Ramirez, secured his ninth single, extending his hitting streak to 36 games, the longest for the franchise since Jason Kipnis’s 36-game streak in 2013.
Important moments
Abbott, 25, walked Stephen Kwan to start the ninth but collaborated with David Fry to turn a double play and clear the bases. Following a hit by Ramirez, Santana flew out to left to seal the game.
Key Statistics
Ellie de la Cruz became the first Reds player to accumulate over 20 stolen bases in each of his first three seasons. He has a total of 122 career steals in 326 games since his debut on June 6, 2023.
Next
Reds LHP Nick Lodolo (4-4, 3.21 ERA) will take on Guardians LHP Logan Allen (3-4, 4.42 ERA) in the finale of the 3-game series.
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Source: apnews.com