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.

The Cincinnati Reds so-called ace Hunter Greene has been on the IL, but Andrew Abbott has stepped up and is now firmly in the Cy Young conversation.

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.