Dean throws first shutout

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Naugatuck native Pat Dean hurled his first professional shutout last Saturday for the Minnesota Twins’ Double-A affiliate, the New Britain Rock Cats. RA ARCHIVE
Naugatuck native Pat Dean hurled his first professional shutout last Saturday for the Minnesota Twins’ Double-A affiliate, the New Britain Rock Cats. RA ARCHIVE

NEW BRITAIN — Pat Dean, a Naugatuck native and starting pitcher for the Double-A New Britain Rock Cats, hurled his first professional shutout last Saturday in a 5-0 victory against Reading, one that came before a sellout crowd of 6,441.

The effort was also Dean’s first nine-inning complete game in his three-year minor league career. He allowed just five hits and two walks while striking out five for the Rock Cats, the Minnesota Twins affiliate.

The lefty, who will likely start again Friday at Red Sox affiliate Portland, has had an up-and-down season in his first full campaign at the Double-A level. He sports a 4-8 record with a 4.52 ERA. His 89 2/3 innings are second most on the team, and his 1.36 WHIP is third best among New Britain starters.

Dean’s next home start will likely be during the Rock Cats’ next series in New Britain, a four-game set July 11-14 against Yankees affiliate Trenton. Alex Rodriguez, who this week started his rehab assignment, could possibly be with the Thunder during that stretch.