You might have seen that the Cincinnati Reds are the hottest team in MLB right now. You may not be aware that rookie Andrew Abbott, a 2021 UVA graduate, is a big reason why.
Abbott got a no-decision in Wednesday’s 5-3 win over Colorado, but he went six innings, gave up three runs – all on solo homers – and struck out a career-high 10.
The three runs surrendered by Abbott (3-0, 1.14 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, 1.4 WAR), who was the ace on Virginia’s 2021 College World Series team, were the first three he gave up in his MLB career.
Prior to Wednesday, Abbott, a 2021 second-round draft pick, had become the first pitcher since the mound was moved to its current spot in 1893 – you know, 60 feet, six inches – to begin his career with three straight scoreless starts of more than five innings.
Since his first start, a 2-0 win over Milwaukee on June 5, Cincinnati has a 14-2 record, and the Reds (40-35) have surged into first place in the NL Central, with a one and a half game lead over the Brewers.
His second start, an 8-4 win over St. Louis on June 10, in which Abbott gave up five hits in five and two-thirds scoreless innings, was the first win in what is now, with Wednesday’s win, an 11-game winning streak for the Reds.
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Chris Graham
