Sea Dogs Walk-Off Again; Win 7th Straight

Vitek walks with the bases loaded to win.
Portland, Maine - For the second straight game at Hadlock Field, the Portland Sea Dogs (18-9) walked-off winners over the New Britain Rock Cats (14-15). On Saturday afternoon, Kolbrin Vitek drew a bases-loaded walk to score J.C. Linares, and give Portland a 2-1 win.

The 'Dogs have won seven straight, their longest win streak since April 13-20, 2008, when they won eight in a row.

The Sea Dogs drew four walks in the ninth inning, three off losing pitcher Edgar Ibarra (1-2). Ibarra intentionally walked Tony Thomas and Michael Almanzar, before Jose Gonzalez walked the game-winner.

Brock Huntzinger tossed a perfect ninth to earn his second win of the season. Ibarra yielded four walks and two wild pitches over 1+ inning pitched.

Vitek tied the game in the seventh off starter Trevor May (7 IP, 3 H, R, 2 BB, 3 SO). Thomas doubled to centerfield and took third base on a groundout by Almanzar. With the infield drawn in, Vitek grounded to second base, but the throw home was late.

Portland's Will Latimer worked three scoreless innings in relief of Charlie Haeger. With the 'Dogs trailing 1-0 in the seventh, Latimer induced a line-drive double play to end the frame. Haeger, who made his first start of the year for Portland, fanned eight on just one hit over five innings pitched. The knuckleballer allowed an unearned run, walked four and hit a batter.

New Britain took a 1-0 lead in the first inning off Haeger. Antoan Richardson led off the game with a single, stole second base and eventually scored on a passed ball.

Portland had three hits on the afternoon. Thomas went 2-for-3 and Derrik Gibson added a single.

Prime Motor Group Player of the Game: Will Latimer (3 IP, 3 H, BB, 2 SO)

The Sea Dogs and New Britain Rock Cats (Twins affiliate) conclude their three-game series on Sunday afternoon at Hadlock Field, game time is 1:00 PM from Hadlock Field. Portland Right-hander Brandon Workman (4-0, 2.73) takes on Righty Alex Meyer (2-1, 2.57). Radio coverage begins at 12:40 AM on the U.S. Cellular Sea Dogs Radio Network and via the Tune-In Radio app for smartphones and tablets.

Sunday is Kids Run the Bases and Most Improved Student. Tickets are available by calling 207-879-9500 or at seadogs.com.