PORTLAND – The smile was back on Dustin Brisson’s face prior to Wednesday night’s game against New Britain.

Brisson had halted a 3-for-28 skid with a 4-for-4 performance a day earlier.

The Sea Dogs’ first baseman had seen his average plummet to a season-low .211 before finally breaking through.

“It was a tough road,” said Brisson. “It got in my head a lot when really all I needed to do was relax up there. But I’m not out of the woods yet.”

Brisson started out strong, hitting .333 before landing on the disabled list on April 19 with a high ankle sprain.

When he returned a little over a month later, he altered his swing to compensate for the ankle.

Despite many early hitting sessions, over the next six weeks he produced just three multiple-hit games.

With the help of videotape, Brisson made more adjustments, including getting his weight more centered.

“You see certain things (on videotape) that you normally wouldn’t pick up,” said Brisson.

He singled in his first three at-bats Tuesday before doubling in the bottom of the eighth.

“I could see it in his face,” said Portland manager Ron Johnson. “Each at-bat he was getting happier and enjoying the game a little bit more.”

Johnson said the slump took its toll on Brisson.

“We can say what we want about being a professional on a day-to-day basis,” said Johnson. “But when you’re struggling, you start putting that pressure on yourself. Hopefully that was something that will get him over the hump.”

Fenway Jr.

Casey Fossum’s two appearances with the Sea Dogs marked the first times the left-hander had pitched at Hadlock Field.

Fossum faced the Sea Dogs three times when he was with Trenton in 2001, but all came at Waterfront Park.

Fossum was scheduled to pitch at Hadlock in August of 2001, but was called up by the Red Sox.

He did, however, notice the change since his last visit.

“It’s a lot more Red Sox orientated,” said Fossum. “The fans are just like the fans at Fenway. They boo and they cheer, so I felt right at home.”

Movin’ on up

Red Sox top pick David Murphy has been promoted to Class-A Sarasota from short-season Lowell.

Murphy, the 17th overall selection in last month’s draft, hit .346 in 21 games to earn the jump past low Class-A Augusta.

Murphy was an All-American at Baylor, where he hit .413 this past season.

Bye, bye Hector

Don’t look for Hector Almonte’s No. 26 to be hanging on the faade behind home plate at Hadlock Field.

Almonte, who was optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket on July 1 by the Red Sox, chose to become a free agent after clearing waivers.

He keeps going and ….

Kevin Youkilis extended his on base streak to 48 games with an infield hit in the bottom of the first inning.

Youkilis led all of minor league baseball with a .477 on-base percentage heading into the game.

Around the minor leagues

Former Sea Dog Ross Gload hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth inning as Charlotte topped Pawtucket 3-1 Monday night at McCoy Stadium. The Knights were the home team because the game was suspended on June 30 in Charlotte. Yankees outfielder Bernie Williams drew three walks and had an RBI in his final rehabilitation appearance with Trenton. He hit .333 with four RBIs in five games. Bowie’s Mike Fontenot has been named Eastern League Player of the Month for June. Fontenot hit .380 with 21 RBIs in 25 games.

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