Bigtime Broomsticks
Issue #4: Andrew Abbott Makes Modern History, a Blowout, and come-back number 23
Well, I certainly picked a nice time to start writing about the Reds. Winners of 8 straight road games on this road trip, the team has made an impressive display of their desire to win. They now have 23 come-from-behind wins. They are second in stolen bases only to the Rays. Alexis Diaz has the longest active save streak, and Andrew Abbot has pitched 17.2 innings pitched without giving up a run to start his career. Spencer Steer could play any position on a baseball field if you ask me.
This series was fun to watch because the Reds won in several different ways against a good team (defending world series champions, as a matter of fact). They eked out a win in game one thanks to Andrew Abbot’s fake-hittable pitches, blew the Astros out of the water in game two, and chipped away a comeback win in extra innings in the third game to bring out another broomstick. Different skills led to wins in each game.
Song of the Day
Reds @ Royals Recap
Friday 6/16
The Astros hitters made contact with Andrew Abbots pitches during the first 6 innings, but never strung enough together to score a run. He was handing out weak contact to every batter, and the Astros mowed themselves down quickly with slow grounders or fly-outs. Abbot became the Red to start his career with 17.2 innings pitched and no earned runs since 1893. Sheesh.
Tyler Stephenson homered and Kevin Newman hit an RBI double in the seventh to give the Reds a lead they wouldn’t give up the rest of the game. Alexis Diaz gave up only his 6th earned run of the season in his closing role, but kept the lid on.
Saturday 6/17
Hunter Greene got the results with only two earned runs and a win, but would have liked to execute some of his pitches better. He only got three strikeouts through 6 innings pitched and walked three. Many pitches were entirely uncompetitive. If he cuts those out of his starts, which we have seen him do more frequently recently, he could be going 7 or 8 innings and striking out 8+ batters.
The Reds offense supported Greene extensively. I’ll list the hitters who had RBI: Curt Casali, Tyler Stephenson, Kevin Newman (2), Will Benson (2), Jonathan India (2), Matt McLain (2). Benson and McLain both had triples on multi-hit performances and India homered. Elly De La Cruz had two hits, stole 3rd, and scored a run.
Speed and aggressive base running kept the Astros defense on its back foot for 9 innings and forced two errors. Teams seem just a bit frantic in the field when a bunch of kids are running all over them.
Sunday 6/18
This game felt more familiar. The Reds went down early thanks to some mistakes by the starter Luke Weaver (5.0 innings pitched, 5 earned runs, 1 strikeout). They scored answering runs each time until overcoming a three run deficit in the 6th on a Spencer Steer homer that scored Elly De La Cruz. Elly got on base on an infield single hit to first base. This kid said he’s the fastest man in the world and really wants to prove himself right.
Jake Fraley also hit a homer in his first game back from injury. India homered again. When the Astros tied the game in the bottom of the 9th, the Reds responded with three runs. Friedl bunted Senzel to third, and they both scored on an Elly single.
The Astros couldn’t bite back. The Reds completed their 23rd comeback victory of the season, most in the major leagues, and showed off both fundamental and flashy talent. This was a classic example of the “chipping away”. It seemed that every batter who came up wanted nothing more in the world than to get on base and give the next guy in line a chance to do something special.
Looking Ahead
The Reds return to Great American Ballpark only a half-game back of the Brewers in the Central division with an opportunity to avenge the series win they handed to the Rockies last month. Brandon Williamson and Ben Lively will take Monday and Tuesday evening, Andrew Abbot pitches Wednesday afternoon.
This week also means a likely return to eligibility for Joey Votto and Wil Myers. Votto should get his at bats - he could add so much to this team if he finds himself quickly post-injury. Wil Myers is a different story. I don’t know who on the current roster I would be willing to take out if it were up to me. He was their big free-agent signing but that isn’t enough in my book to justify a roster spot on a red-hot offense. I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets his AB’s, and I’m curious to see who he will replace.
Still looking for another Elly Bomb. CAN ANDREW ABBOT KEEP IT UP?!