Burkhart was called up from the Red Sox' Triple-A Pawtucket team, where he was batting .283 with 17 home runs and 54 RBI, after the Red Sox placed Trot Nixon on the 15-day disabled list.

Burkhart was in the starting lineup Tuesday night as the designated hitter and batted fifth behind Nomar Garciaparra. In his first major league at-bat in the second inning, he singled to right off Orioles' starter Mike Mussina.

For the game, Burkhart was 2-for-4 with a walk. He led off the Red Sox ninth with a single and advanced to third after two walks, but Jose Offerman grounded out to end the inning. Baltimore won the game 6-3 in 10 innings.

Burkhart was a member of the Mules' 1994 NCAA Division II national championship team. Before coming to Central Missouri, he played one season at Southwest Texas University and two at Crowder (Mo.) College. He is a graduate of Hazelwood West High School in Hazelwood, Mo.

In addition, former Mules' outfielder Nathan Lipowicz, a member of this year's Mules' squad, has signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. He was drafted in the 25th round of the recent free-agent draft and has been assigned to the Dodgers' Class A Northwest League franchise at Yakima, Wash.

Former Mules' pitcher Josh Reynolds, who was also drafted in the third round by the New York Mets, has not yet signed a contract with the Mets.