Andrew Abbott Secures Reds’ Victory with Quality Start Against Rockies
CINCINNATI – Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Andrew Abbott delivered a strong performance on Thursday, leading the team to a 6-4 victory over the Colorado Rockies. The win secured two of three games in the series and completed a 4-2 homestand for the Reds, who have now won 11 of their last 15 games, bringing their record to 20-11 as of April 30, 2026.
Returning to Fundamentals
Abbott, who had been dissatisfied with his recent outings, worked with pitching coach Derek Johnson to refocus on the mechanics that previously brought him success. This adjustment proved effective, as he allowed just two runs on five hits and two walks over six innings, while striking out five batters. This performance marked Abbott’s first win of the 2026 season.
Statistical Turnaround
Prior to Thursday’s game, Abbott held a 0-2 record with a 6.59 ERA. He hadn’t completed six innings in any of his previous five starts since Opening Day, during which he posted an 8.34 ERA. His strikeout rate had similarly decreased from 8.06 strikeouts per nine innings in 2025 to 6.23 in 2026, while his walk rate increased from 2.33 to 3.89 per nine innings.
Key to Abbott’s Success
Several factors contributed to Abbott’s improved performance:
- Mechanical Adjustments: Abbott and Johnson identified that he was standing taller than in previous seasons, affecting his arm angle. Correcting this mechanical flaw allowed him to stay away from pitching the ball over the middle of the plate, an issue he had been struggling with.
- Improved Command: After walking Brenton Doyle in the first inning and subsequently allowing a two-run home run to Tyler Freeman, Abbott retired 10 of his next 11 batters.
Abbott’s Perspective
“Vindication. Hard perform, keep going, ride the wave,” Abbott said after the game. “It wasn’t what I wanted it to be earlier, but I’m the only one who can change that. Just put your head down and keep working.” He credited Johnson and the biomechanics staff for their assistance in identifying and correcting his mechanical issues, stating, “They did a deep dive on me and were figuring out that we’re standing a little more taller than we are [and I was] bent over last year. Arm angle is up, all those things. … I felt really good and really sound today.”
Reds’ Homestand and Upcoming Schedule
The Reds’ victory over the Rockies concluded a successful 4-2 homestand. Fans can look forward to the STAR WARS™ Night Grogu Bobblehead Promotion scheduled for May 9th.
Worth a look