TOOLIN' THE DYE-LESS:

Rookie's mighty good start (JOE McDONALD, 9/06/06, Providence Journal)

[Kason Gabbard] dominated the Chicago White Sox' batting order and helped Boston to a 1-0 victory last night. Gabbard pitched seven shutout innings, allowing just three hits, with six strikeouts and two walks, in his Fenway debut to earn his first major-league victory.

"He threw everything for strikes," said Boston manager Terry Francona. "He sank the ball, threw a very good changeup, and had his best breaking ball we've seen. . . . He pitched like a veteran pitcher tonight."

Gabbard worked quickly and needed just 80 pitches (54 strikes), and along with a solid defense behind him, he was able to defeat the White Sox in a brisk 2:14.

Prior to the game, Gabbard sat down with catcher Doug Mirabelli and figured out how the battery would approach the defending World Series champions.

"I had a pretty good game plan from the start," said Gabbard. "It was just one of those days when you go out there and everything feels good."