Complete-game shutout always regarded as a jewel in pitching trade.(Warm Up Tosses)

JON GARLAND WAS ON THE MOUND IN OAKLAND'S MCAFEE COLISEUM ONE night last April, setting down the A's through seven, then eight and finally through nine full innings as he fashioned a four-hit, 6-0 shutout for the White

The 25-year-old right-hander threw 116 pitches, 79 for strikes, as he outdueled Barry Zito to give the Sox their eighth consecutive win and a record of 16-4, best in the majors at that juncture of the season.

It was only the second shutout of Garland's young career, so he had good reason to savor the accomplishment at game's end.

"I had a real good changeup and kept guys off balance," he said. "When I did throw my fastball, they couldn't jump on it and for the most part I was ahead in the count."

In staying ahead of the batters on ball-and-strike counts, Garland maintained an advantage most pitchers enjoy as they zero in on a complete-game shutout.

"He deserved it," manager Ozzie Guillen said of his decision to let Garland finish the game. "He throws strikes, and he's not afraid to attack people."

Before his next start oil May 1 against the Tigers in Chicago, Garland was discussing reasons for his early-season success. "If you get strike one, then strike two, you're on top of the batters and they can't sit on a pitch," he said. "They have to protect the plate, and you become a better pitcher."