Andrew Abbott threw a three-hitter for Cincinnati’s first complete-game shutout in four years and Spencer Steer drove in the only run to give the visiting Reds a 1-0 victory over the Cleveland Guardians on Tuesday night.
Steer’s single in the fifth inning off Slade Cecconi (1-3) scored Will Benson and helped Cincinnati earn its fifth consecutive win. The Reds have won six of their last seven and stand two games above .500 for the first time since May 3.
Abbott (6-1) had five strikeouts and one walk as he threw 77 of his 110 pitches for strikes. The left-hander gave up hits in the second, fifth and ninth innings, but only let two Guardians get as far as second base.
Cleveland, which is 0-5 against its in-state rival this season, put the potential tying run on twice in the ninth.
Steven Kwan led off with a walk, but he was erased by David Fry’s double-play grounder. Jose Ramirez then singled before Abbott got Carlos Santana to fly out to left to complete his masterpiece.
Ramirez’s hit extended his career-long on-base streak to 36 games. The six-time All-Star owns hits in 31 of 32 games since his surge began on May 6.
Cecconi posted a career-high-tying eight strikeouts in five innings. The right-hander gave up one run on four hits and walked one to fall to 0-3 lifetime against the Reds.
Reds center fielder TJ Friedl robbed Fry of an extra-base hit in the fourth, making a running grab just below the top of the wall. He crashed into the padding and spent some time prone on the ground before shaking off his discomfort.
One inning later, Guardians first baseman Carlos Santana made back-to-back defensive gems with two on. He caught Matt McLain’s foul down the line after being hit from behind by second baseman Angel Martinez, then dove to snare Friedl’s bunt attempt.
The Reds promoted left-hander Joe La Sorsa from Triple-A Louisville before the game. He filled the roster spot of pitcher Brent Suter, who was placed on the bereavement list.
–Field Level Media
