Sea Dogs’ Stevens stifles Navigators

NORWICH, Conn. – Josh Stevens threw eight shutout innings and reliever Anastacio Martinez survived a bases-loaded jam in the ninth inning as the Portland Sea Dogs beat the Norwich Navigators 3-2 in the Eastern League Tuesday night.

Stevens (3-1) allowed just four singles, struck out six and walked none before giving way to Martinez to start the ninth. Martinez allowed a single to Adam Shabala and a two-run home run by Mike Cervenak before Alejandro Freire and Doug Clark singled.

Martinez, who picked up his fourth save, got Carlos Valderrama to pop out on a bunt attempt for the first out. Jamie Athas then singled to load the bases, but Joe Jester popped out to second and John Pachot grounded out to first to end the game.

Kevin Youkilis had two hits, including a solo home run in the fourth, and two RBIs for Portland (14-10). He also drew a bases-loaded walk in the second inning.

Jack Taschner (0-3) took the loss. He allowed three runs on four hits in 3 2/3 innings.

Clark and Pachot both had two hits for the Navigators (13-16).