Gibson Dominates in AA Debut

Harrisburg, PA - Kyle Gibson may not be the answer to every problem plaguing New Britain, but for one night the newcomer provided the spark the Rock Cats needed. Gibson struck out 10 and was backed by two home runs as the Rock Cats blanked Harrisburg, 6-0 on Saturday night.

In his Double-A debut, Gibson (1-0) scattered four hits and walked one through 7 1/3 shutout innings. The 22-year-old was making his first start for the Rock Cats since being called up from Single-A Ft. Myers after dominating in the Florida State League.

Gibson received all the run support he would need in the top of the second, when Yangervis Solarte - another recent call-up from Ft. Myers - led off the inning with a solo shot over the left field wall. Mark Dolenc followed with a single to center and stole second base before coming around to score on Steve Singleton's line drive to right for the 2-0 advantage.

Solarte added an RBI double in the third inning. The Rock Cats struck again in the fourth, this time on a two-run homer by Ben Revere, his first of the season, for a 5-0 lead.

In the sixth, Singleton led off with a double to right and scored on Toby Gardenhire's base hit to center field.

The Rock Cats finished the night with 11 hits, with eight of the nine batters recording at least one hit. Catcher Allan de San Miguel was the lone 'Cat without a hit, but he reached base twice on walks and scored a run. Relievers Joe Testa and Matthew Williams combined for 1 2/3 hitless innings out of the bullpen to keep the shutout intact.

Aaron Thompson (1-5) suffered the loss for Harrisburg after surrendering five runs on eight hits in 3 2/3 innings.