Reds pitcher continues to impress with latest gem vs. Guardians

Abbott closed out his first career complete game and shutout by getting Guardians first baseman Carlos Santana to fly out to left field.

It was the first shutout by a Reds pitcher since Wade Miley threw a no-hitter against Cleveland in 2021. The win also extends Cincinnati's record to 5-0 in the "Ohio Cup" season series.

Reds first baseman Spencer Steer hit what turned out to be the game-winning RBI single in the fifth inning to provide the only insurance Abbott needed on the night.

Overall, Abbott allowed three hits, zero earned runs, one walk and had five strikeouts. He threw 110 pitches, 77 of which were strikes, and lowered his ERA to 1.87.

Tuesday night was the fifth time in 11 starts this season that Abbott has went at least six innings. He has given up one earned run or fewer in nine of those 11 starts, including both starts against the Guardians.

Abbott is now tied with Brady Singer for the most wins by a Reds starting pitcher this season (six). While he has only pitched 62.2 innings compared to Nick Lodolo's team-high 75.2, Abbott has allowed the fewest hits (41), earned runs (13) and home runs (six).

Abbott's masterpiece is just the latest sign of encouragement from a Reds team that has won their last five games and six of their last seven. During that stretch, Cincinnati has allowed two runs of fewer in three of its last four, proving how solid the pitching has been.

According to TeamRankings, the Reds (35-33) have the 11th-best ERA (3.71). While that could use some improvement collectively, Abbott's gem from Tuesday night was the latest sign of how dominant the team can be on the mound when everything is clicking.

The Reds will go for the series sweep of the Guardians and look to extend their unbeaten record against Cleveland when the teams wrap up its three-game set on Wednesday.