Andrew Abbott retired the final 18 batters he faced in another dominant start Sunday to beat the Cardinals 4-1. He's 7-1 with a 1.79 ERA.

Andrew Abbott retired the final 18 batters he faced in seven commanding innings, and the Cincinnati Reds avoided a three-game sweep with a 4-1 win against the St. Louis Cardinals.

CINCINNATI -- Reds left-handed starter Andrew Abbott has performed at an All-Star caliber level for most of the first half of the season. That includes Sunday afternoon in St. Louis against the Cardinals, with Abbott pitching seven strong innings in the Reds' 4-1 win.