Andrew Abbott throws 3-hitter and Spencer Steer drives in only run as Reds beat Guardians 1-0
CLEVELAND (AP) — Andrew Abbott pitched a three-hitter for his first career complete game and Spencer Steer had an RBI single in the fifth inning, lifting the Cincinnati Reds to a 1-0 victory over the Cleveland Guardians on Tuesday night.
Abbott (6-1) struck out five and walked one in a 110-pitch gem, bouncing back from his first loss on June 4 against Milwaukee. It was the first shutout by a Cincinnati pitcher since Wade Miley no-hit Cleveland on May 7, 2021, also at Progressive Field.
Steer's sharp single to right in the fifth off Slade Cecconi (1-3) plated Will Benson, but the Reds' potential big inning was thwarted by back-to-back lunging catches by Guardians first baseman Carlos Santana in foul territory.
The Reds have won five straight, along with the first five games of the 'Ohio Cup' season series, in manager Terry Francona's homecoming to Cleveland.
Cecconi matched his career high with eight strikeouts in five innings. The right-hander allowed four hits, but the Guardians fell to 1-4 on their homestand and 5-10 since May 25.
Guardians third baseman José Ramírez singled in the ninth, extending his on-base streak to 36 games. It is the longest for the franchise since Jason Kipnis' 36-gamer in 2013.
The 25-year-old Abbott walked Steven Kwan to begin the ninth, but coaxed David Fry to hit into a double play to clean the bases. After Ramírez's hit, Santana flew out to left to end the game.
Key stat
Elly De La Cruz became the first Reds player with 20 or more stolen bases in each of his first three seasons. He has 122 career steals in 326 games since debuting on June 6, 2023.
Up next
Reds LHP Nick Lodolo (4-4, 3.21 ERA) takes on Guardians LHP Logan Allen (3-4, 4.42 ERA) in the three-game series finale.
___
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Times
2 hours ago
- New York Times
Browns minicamp: QBs slowly making strides, Denzel Ward still in top form
Save for a couple of passes thrown in the direction of tight end David Njoku and a few offensive snaps destroyed by all-world defensive end Myles Garrett, what we've seen through two days of mandatory minicamp for the Cleveland Browns is mostly what we saw in brief glimpses of rookie minicamp and voluntary organized team activities. Advertisement We've been largely tracking the quarterback competition. It's the most intriguing and important part of this early phase of the Browns' road back from 3-14, and it's what is easiest to watch in any non-contact spring setting. This year just happens to have the Browns trying to find something from a group headlined by the 40-year-old Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett on his third team in three years and two rookies drafted in April, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. Flacco gets the fewest reps because he's the most experienced. He's been in the NFL since Sanders was in kindergarten. Pickett is usually first in the warmup lines and first up for a lot of drills. Gabriel goes first with the backups because he was drafted before Sanders. On each of the first two days of minicamp, Gabriel has taken snaps with the No. 1 offense in full-team situations against at least most of the No. 1 defense. Dillon dart 🎯 — Cleveland Browns (@Browns) June 11, 2025 What we've continued to hear from Browns coach Kevin Stefanski is that the quarterback order doesn't matter and, in many cases, the results don't, either. Stefanski has repeatedly said the Browns are installing plays, stressing fundamentals and just getting the quarterbacks ready for training camp this summer. Those are boring answers, but they match what we've seen on the field and what a normal May and June process would be for almost any team, even in this abnormal situation. From my view on the sidelines, these two minicamp practices have been Gabriel's best throwing days. He's finished both strongly after erratic starts. Sanders comes in and generally gets the ball out of his hand quickly and confidently. Flacco can still fling it when he's asked to, and Pickett has been unremarkable. But this is about process more than results — even if that line makes longtime Browns fans cringe — and that shows up in the work that's done on the practice field before reporters scramble to record certain throws for social media or chart each passer's daily performance. On Wednesday, for example, the quarterbacks went through extended work on shotgun handoffs and play-fakes. We've heard both rookies discuss leaning on Flacco in the meeting room for his experience on how to diagnose defensive concepts, and we've twice heard Flacco say the rookies even want to mimic his cadence as part of them trying to digest everything that's being taught at this early stage. Stefanski has said the team has now gone through seven different installation packages for the offense. Just by the natural order of things, the quarterbacks should be completing more passes than they were in mid-May. But sometimes the defense knows what's coming, too, and almost all of the true highlight throws and catches that end up on social media have been made in 7-on-7 settings. Advertisement To go full Allen Iverson, this is just practice. This is about the small stuff — details, brief introductions, little tips and tricks — that later can help with the big stuff. The quarterback competition that got bigger on the final day of the draft was never going to be super interesting until August. It's fair to say, too, that the addition of Sanders is actually what makes it intriguing. Not just his presence, but the accuracy and decisiveness he's shown this spring. The Browns having four quarterbacks has re-shaped everything about how they handled the offseason program, and it will be the headline story of the summer. From here, the belief is that Flacco is the clear favorite to win the first phase of that competition and the starting job. How the rest of it shakes out is anyone's guess, but Sanders has been good enough this spring to make coaches believe he's worthy of more chances this summer. I think he's earned that, and based on what we've seen to this point, Sanders has positioned himself to make the roster and eventually make the folks in charge think about where he might belong on the depth chart. That's all getting way ahead of things right now, so we'll defer to what Stefanski has repeatedly said and pump the brakes. Here at the end of what can fairly be called a three-week quarterback camp, Flacco is the best passer, and Sanders made enough impressive throws to make me think Cleveland might be on to something with him. A camp that features real football and ends with real decisions that could shape the future of the franchise starts in about six weeks. Let's save most of our overreactions for then. Last summer, the Browns rewarded Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward with a practice off on the last day of minicamp for his perfect attendance through every phase of the offseason program. Ward has had perfect attendance again this year. Advertisement Being present means something to Ward, who's now in his eighth season. Frankly, Ward's presence has prevented almost all of Cleveland's quarterbacks from having more completions in the open practices, and that's part of making everyone better. Ward said Wednesday what I thought was obvious: that 2024 was his best season. He appears to be in top form again, and the best version of Ward gives the Browns a chance to be good enough defensively to help the team collect some wins early in the season. The defense is going to greatly miss the presence of injured linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, but just getting a little more help from the offense and being better up front with first-round defensive tackle Mason Graham can help the Browns' defense create the kind of havoc it might need. Ward dropped several potential interceptions last season, and defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz has cited those as 'the difference between (Ward being) Pro Bowl and All-Pro, the game-changing plays.' Ward has taken that challenge, and he's the best player in an experienced secondary that has the team's No. 2 and 3 cornerbacks, Martin Emerson Jr. and Greg Newsome II, both signed only through 2025. In the grand scheme of things, I don't think Garrett and Njoku choosing not to participate in the voluntary OTA practices means much. But I do think the Browns are going to purposefully have a more competitive training camp than they had last year, and I think the search for stronger leadership and a hungrier overall outlook are going to be consistent themes. I think Schwartz heads to each week of the season believing he can count on Ward and Garrett to be among the best in the game, and that's a pretty good place to start. The wide receiver group has been short-handed with Cedric Tillman and Michael Woods II watching from the sideline with what are believed to be minor injuries. Tillman is a locked-in starter for this team if healthy, and Woods has a shot to make the roster and the wide receiver rotation, too. Thus far, it's been Jerry Jeudy and then everybody else in these spring practices. Given what the Browns pay Jeudy and the way he performed in the back half of last season, that's no surprise. .@jerryjeudy with room to run 🏃♂️💨 — Cleveland Browns (@Browns) June 11, 2025 But the Browns didn't draft a receiver. Two days after the draft, they signed Diontae Johnson to a one-year deal that includes no guaranteed money. Johnson is a proven producer, but he's been on five teams in the last 15 months and told reporters Wednesday that Cleveland was really the only team calling him earlier this spring. Johnson was clear he's focused on what's ahead, not the past, and not what he repeatedly said was just one bad year. Stefanski said much of the same, and something close to the best version of Johnson should be able to help the Browns. Second-year wideout Jamari Thrash seems to be making the most of the extra opportunities he's received this spring. The Browns loaded up on undrafted rookie receivers to make sure there were enough available players for the extra passing periods. Advertisement But unless either Thrash or Woods makes a big leap, the Browns still might be in the wide receiver market in August. And if Johnson doesn't work out or Tillman doesn't build on the momentum he created last year before missing the end of the season with a concussion, the team runs the risk of the receiver group reverting to what it mostly currently looks like: Jeudy and everyone else. Maybe Njoku is in for a big season. He's in a contract year, so he should be engaged and looking to re-find his form. I believe the Browns got a nice player for the future in third-round tight end Harold Fannin Jr., but Fannin's early role might depend on how quickly he can be trusted to block — and how much the coaches trust the other players in the pass-catching group.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Fabrizio Romano update confirms NEW Liverpool target
Romano has revealed that Bayer Leverkusen are seriously considering bringing on Jarell Quansah. According to Romano he is one of two options for the German side with Loic Bade being the other, incidentally Bade is someone Liverpool also like. Now, Liverpool don't want to sell Quansah. However, they will consider selling him for the right price. What that could be remains to be seen. Advertisement However, one thing is clear, if Liverpool are to lose him, the Reds will immediately be focused on a new target and it won't be a no.9 but it will have to be a defender instead. Without Quansah, Liverpool will have just Joe Gomez as a back-up option behind Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate. Wataru Endo could potentially fill in and play as a makeshift centre-back, but that's not going to be enough for a side competing for the Premier League title. Gomez himself is also considering his future, so there's every chance he could also leave the club this summer. Not to mention Konate is yet to extend his contract, which expires at the end of next season. Advertisement And that's why with Wirtz coming in, signing a centre-back might be the biggest priority for the Reds. Who the centre-back target could be is an interesting one to ponder. Marc Guehi has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool and he will definitely be on the club's radar. Jarrad Branthwaite will be an option for the Reds, too. Bade as we mentioned could end-up going to Liverpool. Other names to keep an eye on are Sikou Niakate and Konstantinos Koulierakis.
Forbes
5 hours ago
- Forbes
Once A Strength, Cleveland Guardians Now Lack Middle Infield Depth
CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 18: Andrés Giménez #0 of the Cleveland Guardians looks on after the New ... More York Yankees defeated the Guardians in Game 4 of the ALCS presented by loanDepot at Progressive Field on Friday, October 18, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images) It wasn't long ago, when the Cleveland Guardians organization had a wealth of well regarded middle infield prospects. The quality depth of highly ranked middle infielders in the Guardians development program has dwindled. The Guardians were always careful to give their prospects enough development time to best prepare for the major leagues. Be that with Cleveland, or with another club. This old scout has always stated that the talent gap between Triple-A and the big leagues is as wide as the grand canyon. That is particularly true for prospect pitchers. And because MLB pitchers are so advanced in their pitching skills, many prospects falter when given a chance with the parent club. Consider the number of Cleveland Indians/Cleveland Guardians prospects that are now playing elsewhere in Major League Baseball, or are out of professional baseball altogether. Each of the middle infielders noted below was part of the Indians/Guardians Top 30 prospects, from 2020 until today. In those a short years, the following young prospects are gone from the Cleveland organization: MIAMI, FLORIDA - JUNE 04: Tyler Freeman #2 of the Colorado Rockies celebrates with teammates after ... More scoring a run against the Miami Marlins in the fifth inning of the game at loanDepot park on June 04, 2025 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by) Tyler Freeman-drafted by the Indians, and traded to the Colorado Rockies in 2025 Jose Tena-signed as an international free agent by the Indians in 2017, and traded to the Washington Nationals in 2024. Ernie Clement-drafted by the Indians in 2017, selected off waivers by the Athletics in 2022, and signed by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2023 Carson Tucker-out of baseball (a 2020 Cleveland Indians 1st round draft pick) Owen Miller-drafted by the San Diego Padres, traded to Cleveland, and then traded by Cleveland to the Milwaukee Brewers. Now in the Rockies organization. Richie Palacios-drafted by the Indians in 2018, and traded to the St. Louis Cardinals. Traded to the Tampa Bay Rays in 2024. The list does not include Amed Rosario, and Andres Gimenez, both traded to Cleveland from the New York Mets in 2021. Both are gone from the organization. Rosario was traded by Cleveland to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2023. After being granted free agency, Rosario signed with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2024. He was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2024, granted free agency, and then signed with the Washington Nationals in 2025. Gimenez was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in December 2024. EASTLAKE, OHIO - JULY 31, 2024: Travis Bazzana #37 of the Lake County Captains celebrates hitting a ... More grand slam home run during the fifth inning against the Beloit Sky Carp at Classic Auto Group Park on July 31, 2024 in Eastlake, Ohio. This is the continuation of the July 30 game which was suspended due to inclement weather. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) The Guardians have young middle infielders in development, but many are still a year, or more away from graduation to the big leagues. Those players include: -Travis Bazzana-2024 1st overall draft pick, now dealing with an oblique injury -Angel Genao-a terrific defensive player, Genao in still at Double-A Akron -Welbyn Francisca-a good hitter, with little power, Francisca is still in Class-A -Juan Brito-a solid hitter with some power, Brito is currently injured at Triple-A Columbus -Gabriel Rodriguez-a young prospect in Rookie Ball. Bryan Rocchio began this season as the Guardians starting shortstop. He didn't hit well, had some defensive hiccups at shortstop, and was optioned to Triple-A Columbus. Rocchio likely remains a candidate to return to the parent club at some point this season. GOODYEAR, AZ - FEBRUARY 22: Juan Brito #74 of the Cleveland Guardians poses for a photo during the ... More Cleveland Guardians Photo Day at Goodyear Ballpark on Thursday, February 22, 2024 in Goodyear, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/MLB Photos via Getty Images) There is little question Cleveland misses the defense of Andres Gimenez, who is now playing solid second base, but not hitting well at Toronto. It seems likely Bazzana is the second baseman of the future. If he hits. If he plays solid defense. A superb defender, Gabriel Arias has claimed the shortstop role, supplanting Rocchio. For now. How much will Arias hit? Can the Guardians continue to handle his inconsistency on offense? Brito may win a role with the Guardians in the future. But with Bazzana likely at second, where does Brito play? Genao might be as good, or better than Arias at shortstop. Will he hit? Lots of Cleveland middle infielders have walked out the door. Now, the team has to determine which players in their organization fit in their immediate, and long-range future. Middle infielders, once a deep strength of the Guardians, have now been reduced in number. Time will tell how the Guardians manage their infield in the coming months and years.
