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.

The Cincinnati Reds led by three in the eighth inning but lost in 11 innings to the Cardinals Saturday. The Reds are 1-6 in extra-inning games.

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.