Andrew Abbott Goes Scoreless Again, Continues Historic Start to MLB Career

The former Cavalier became the first MLB pitcher since 1893 to begin his career with three consecutive scoreless starts of at least five innings

Cincinnati Reds

Andrew Abbott is taking Major League Baseball by storm. 

In his first three starts in the big leagues, the former Virginia pitcher has earned three wins, made history, shattered records, and still hasn't given up a single run in 17 and 2/3 innings pitched. 

Abbott made his third-career MLB start on Friday night and pitched six scoreless innings and gave up only four hits, leading the Cincinnati Reds to a 2-1 road victory over the defending World Series Champion Houston Astros. Since 1893 - when the mound was moved to its current distance - no MLB pitcher had ever began his career with three consecutive shutout starts with at least five innings pitched. Until now. 

Question: Who is the only MLB pitcher in the modern era to begin his career with 3 straight scoreless outings of at least 5 IP?

Answer: Andrew Abbott pic.twitter.com/Dihef5uXkM

— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) June 17, 2023

The lefty Abbott made his MLB debut back on June 5th and pitched six scoreless frames and then pitched 5 and 2/3 shutout innings in his second start on Saturday. According to Cincinnati manager David Bell, Abbott's latest gem was the most impressive since it came against Houston's vaunted lineup of capable right-handed batters. 

“I didn’t know about the record books, but that makes complete sense because three great starts right at the very beginning of your career,” said David Bell. “And tonight, not taking anything away from those other starts, but tonight might have been the best going up against that team with all those good right-handed hitters. What an outstanding start."

Abbott's 17 and 2/3 scoreless innings to start his career also broke the Cincinnati franchise record, previously held by Wayne Simpson, who pitched 15 shutout innings to begin his career back in 1970. Eventually, Abbott will give up a run in the big leagues for the first time, but he certainly won't give up that first run easily. 

“It’s bound to happen, but I’m going to try and keep it going as long as possible, let’s put it that way," Abbott said after the game on Friday. 

Andrew Abbott's next start is scheduled for Wednesday, June 21st, when the Cincinnati Reds host the Colorado Rockies at 12:35pm on ESPN+. 

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