August 28, 2005 at 2:18 AM
8/28 Cup of Coffee
As the minor league season hits the homestretch, many higher-tiered players are looking to make an impression this on the parent club in hopes of attaining the September call-up. Pawtucket's Kevin Youkilis, pretty much a shoo-in for a September trip to Boston, certainly didn't hurt his stock last night as he went 2 for 3 with a home run, two RBIs, and two runs scored. Youk also lived up to his "Greek god of walks" title by drawing three walks in the 8-5 win over division foe Rochester. Adam Hyzdu also had a good night at the plate, going 3 for 6 with a double and three runs knocked.Cla Meredith made a strong case for a call-up, as he fanned two in the final frame to notch his ninth save of the season. Portland blanked New Hampshire 8-0 on the strong outing of ace Jon Lester, who went seven innings, allowing two hits and no runs while whiffing seven. David Murphy went 3 for 4 with a home run, a ribbie and a pair of runs scored, while Brandon Moss contributed with a 2 for 4 night that featured a double and a home run. Wilmington got spanked 10-1 on the road at Lynchburg. Bret LeVier went 2 for 3 and scored the Blue Rocks' only run. Zach Borowiak also went 2 for 3, while adding a double. Blue Rocks starter Andrew Dobies got knocked around to the tune of five runs in four and two-thirds of work while taking the loss. Greenville was wearing its pacifier as the Riverdogs were clearly their daddy last night in a humiliating 11-3 loss. The only offensive success came from the two Jeffs, as Jeff Corsaletti went 2 for 5 with double and run scored and Jeff Natale went 2 for 5 while knocking in all three Bomber runs. Mike Rozier got the hook early, as he allowed six hits and seven runs after without ever making it out of the third inning. In Lowell, the Spinners lost to Tri-City 6-1 on the night of Keith Foulke's first rehab appearance. Unfortunately, Foulke pitched nowhere near his 2004 self, even facing low-A caliber hitters, as he went an inning and two thirds, allowing three hits and a run in a less-than stellar performance. Not much could be said for the regulars, as Luis Soto went 1 for 3 while doubling in the Spin's only run of the night. Clay Buchholz didn't fare particularly well in his brief two-inning start, giving up a run and three hits.
Player of the Night: Kevin Youkilis, who got on base an amazing five times last night, going 2 for 3 with a home run, double and -count 'em- three walks as he helped push Pawtucket past Rochester 8-5.