Abbott Amazes Again, Former UVA Ace Maintains Historic Pace in Rookie Season

Andrew Abbott struck out 12 batters and gave up one earned run in 7.2 innings against the Padres on Sunday

David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

Amazing. Sensational. Historic. We're running out of words to effectively describe what Andrew Abbott is doing to start his MLB career. 

The former Virginia baseball ace delivered yet another phenomenal performance in his sixth career MLB start on Sunday, giving up just one earned run on four hits and one walk and striking out 12 batters in 7.2 innings, the longest outing by any Reds pitcher this season. In six starts in the majors, Abbott has a 4-0 record with a 1.21 ERA, 42 strikeouts, and just five total earned runs allowed, remarkable numbers for any pitcher, let alone a rookie. 

Per ESPN Stats & Info, Abbott is the first pitcher since 1900 to allow five or fewer runs and strike out at least 40 batters in his first six career starts. 

Andrew Abbott is the 1st pitcher since 1900 to record at least 40 strikeouts while allowing 5 or fewer runs in his first 6 career games. pic.twitter.com/cHvBVYTgho

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) July 2, 2023

Abbott exited in the eighth inning with a 2-1 lead and received a much-deserved standing ovation. He ended up getting a no-decision as the San Diego Padres tied the game in the eighth after Abbott left, but the Cincinnati Reds ended up getting the 4-3 win on Sunday afternoon. The Reds have won each of the six games Abbott has started this season. 

Check out this scene at Great American Ball Park as Andrew Abbott leaves the field after a sensational outing!

CHILLS!

His final line:
7.2 IP | 4 H | 1 ER | 1 BB | 12 K
101 pitches.

It was a career-high 12 strikeouts and his longest outing of the year!@andrewabbott33 pic.twitter.com/ygju6c89Kh

— Bally Sports Cincinnati (@BallySportsCIN) July 2, 2023

Through his first three MLB starts, Abbott had yet to give up a single earned run in 17.2 innings pitched. In his next three starts, Abbott gave up a total of five earned runs, but made up for those few blemishes with some impressive strikeout numbers, striking out 10 against the Rockies, eight against the Orioles, and then 12 against the Reds on Sunday. 

There aren't many pitchers who have had a better start to their careers in the history of Major League Baseball than Andrew Abbott. 

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