Andrew Abbott, through two MLB starts, looks like he belongs.
The 2021 UVA baseball alum improved to 2-0 with five and two-thirds scoreless innings in an 8-4 win for the Cincinnati Reds over the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday.
Abbott scattered five hits, struck out four and walked three in the win, and through two MLB starts, the lefty has put in 11.2 scoreless innings, striking out 11, walking seven and surrendering six hits.
“It’s a good start,” said Abbott, the ace of Virginia’s 2021 College World Series team. “I’ve got some things to work on. It’s just clicking. If we stay the course, we’ll be all right. I think it’s just go out and have fun, really. There’s a lot of excitement on the team. Just harness and go out and do your job and give 100 percent.”
Fun fact: according to ESPN, Abbott is the first Reds pitcher to open with consecutive scoreless starts of at least five innings since the mound was moved to its current distance in 1893.