Cincinnati Reds' Andrew Abbott is Making Even More Baseball History Than We Thought

We knew that Cincinnati Reds rookie Andrew Abbott was good, we just didn't realize he was THIS good.

Cincinnati Reds left-handed pitcher Andrew Abbott dominated on Sunday afternoon as the Reds beat the San Diego Padres, 4-3.

Abbott didn't factor into the decision but went 7.2 innings, allowing just one run on four hits. He walked one and struck out 12 in lowering his season ERA to 1.21.

He's now struck out 42 batters in 37.1 innings this year. He's also 4-0 to start his career.

We told you on Sunday that the 24-year-old was joining some exclusive history, but he's actually doing even more exclusive things in baseball history...

First: Per @OptaSTATS on Twitter:

Hitters are 0-for-14 with runners in scoring position against Andrew Abbott in his six career starts. 

That is the most opposing at-bats w/ RISP without allowing a hit through six career games by any pitcher who debuted in the last 50 years.

Hitters are 0-for-14 with runners in scoring position against Andrew Abbott in his six career starts.

That is the most opposing at-bats w/ RISP without allowing a hit through six career games by any pitcher who debuted in the last 50 years.

— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) July 2, 2023

Run suppression is the name of the game as a pitcher, so if you can keep teams from capitalizing on their chances, that's obviously a major benefit. Abbott has the stuff - and the grit - to bear down in tough situations.

Also, per ESPN Stats & Info:

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.

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 is one of several young Reds players that is contributing to this magical season. Him, Elly De La Cruz, Brandon Williamson, Spencer Steer and Matt McLain each have had a hand in the Reds being 45-39 and tied for first place in the National League Central.

Cincy will take on the Nationals on Monday at 6:05 p.m. ET.

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