The Cincinnati Reds found the perfect formula on Sunday afternoon at Great American Ball Park: dominant starting pitching combined with a balanced offensive attack. In a convincing 5-0 victory over the Houston Astros, southpaw Andrew Abbott delivered his best performance of the season, leading the Reds to a series win and providing much-needed momentum for a team recently plagued by a long losing skid.
Andrew Abbott Sets the Tone
The story of the day was undoubtedly Andrew Abbott. The left-hander, who entered the game looking to stabilize his season after a rocky start to May, was nearly untouchable against a potent Houston lineup. Abbott tossed six sharp innings, allowing just three hits while striking out five and walking only one. He threw 55 of his 85 pitches for strikes, effectively neutralizing the Astros' power hitters and keeping the visitors off the scoreboard entirely.
Abbott’s performance marks a significant turnaround. After a stretch where he allowed 15 earned runs over three starts, he has now posted back-to-back scoreless outings. His ability to command the zone on Sunday prevented the Astros from ever establishing a rhythm, as he lowered his season ERA and improved his record to 2-2. The shutout was a collective effort, but Abbott’s efficiency through the first six frames provided the foundation the Reds needed to secure the win.
The Fourth Inning Explosion
While Abbott was dealing on the mound, the Reds' offense waited until the fourth inning to break the game open against Astros starter Kai-Wei Teng. After three scoreless frames, Cincinnati’s bats came alive with four consecutive hits to start the bottom of the fourth. Elly De La Cruz sparked the rally with a sharp single, followed by a double from Sal Stewart.
With two runners in scoring position, JJ Bleday delivered the game’s biggest hit—a towering two-run triple to right field that gave the Reds a 2-0 lead. The onslaught continued when Tyler Stephenson drove in Bleday with an RBI single, chasing Teng from the game. Teng, who struggled to find his footing in his second start of the season, was charged with three runs on five hits in just over three innings of work.
Steer and De La Cruz Provide the Spark
The Reds didn't stop there. In the fifth inning, they loaded the bases against reliever Cody Bolton. Matt McLain showed great plate discipline, drawing a bases-loaded walk to force home Elly De La Cruz, who had reached base for the third time in the game. De La Cruz finished the day 3-for-4 with two runs scored, marking his third consecutive multi-hit performance as he continues to be the engine of the Cincinnati offense.
In the sixth inning, Spencer Steer added the exclamation point. Steer launched a solo home run off Bolton, his seventh of the year, to extend the lead to 5-0. The home run provided more than enough insurance for a Cincinnati pitching staff that was firing on all cylinders.
Bullpen Perfection and Series Success
Following Abbott’s exit after the sixth, the Cincinnati bullpen ensured the shutout remained intact. Tejay Antone, Sam Moll, and Graham Ashcraft each contributed a perfect inning of relief. The trio combined to retire nine straight batters to close out the game, completing a three-hitter that left the Astros searching for answers. In total, Reds pitchers recorded 10 strikeouts while allowing only one walk on the day.
The victory gave Cincinnati a 2-1 series win over Houston, a vital result considering the Reds had recently suffered through an eight-game losing streak. By taking two of three from the Astros, the Reds have successfully rebounded and moved their record to 22-19 on the season. Conversely, the Astros will head home looking to find more consistency from their rotation and lineup.
Looking Ahead
The Reds will enjoy a well-deserved day off on Monday before starting a new series at home against the Washington Nationals on Tuesday. Right-hander Brady Singer (2-2, 5.63 ERA) is scheduled to take the mound for Cincinnati, facing off against Washington’s Miles Mikolas. The team also announced that pitcher Rhett Lowder would be placed on the 15-day injured list, a move that may lead to further roster adjustments in the coming days.
The Houston Astros return home to Minute Maid Park to begin a four-game set against the Seattle Mariners. Right-hander Peter Lambert will get the start for Houston on Monday night as they look to bounce back from this shutout loss.
Sources & Original Reporting
