The Cincinnati Reds may be the surprise story of the 2023 season.
On Friday, they cruised to their sixth straight victory, defeating the defending World Series champion Houston Astros by a final of 2-1.
Leading the way for the Reds was rookie left-hander Andrew Abbott, who once again spun a gem.
The 24-year-old fired six scoreless innings against the defending champs and earned his third win of the season, striking out two batters, walking two, and surrendering just four hits.
During the game, he reached 15.2 consecutive scoreless innings, which accounted for the longest scoreless streak by a pitcher to start his career in Reds history.
On Twitter, the Reds celebrated Abbott’s accomplishment.
Andrew Abbott has thrown 15.2 scoreless innings to begin his MLB career, the longest streak by a Red since 1893‼️ pic.twitter.com/f1Z1pReM61
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) June 17, 2023
Abbott ultimately extended that streak to 17.2 innings after he was through six.
The Reds have received a tremendous boost from their core of young stars that are ready to make an impact on the team and lead them into a new era.
Abbott certainly impressed on Friday as the Reds cruised to another win.
The Reds also reached the .500 mark and came to within a half-game of the first-place Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central.
Cincinnati lost 100 games last season.
Abbott was nowhere to be found on the roster.
However, the Reds have received a boost from Abbott this season, and he is yet another imposing arm in a young rotation that also features Hunter Greene and Ben Lively.
Abbott also earned his third win of the season thanks to his six scoreless innings against the powerful Astros lineup.
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Ken Rosenthal Comments On The Reds’ Recent Surge