The Portland Sea Dogs certainly had their struggles this season, but they looked formidable at the end.
Portland put together 17 hits and enjoyed a season-ending 10-4 rout of the New Britain Rock Cats Monday afternoon before 6,364 at Hadlock Field.
The Sea Dogs finished with a 53-89 record, the worst in franchise history.
The Rock Cats’ last team in New Britain is done at 69-71. The franchise is moving to Hartford next year and will be known as the Yard Goats.
Portland’s Jordan Weems went 4 for 5 with two doubles and two RBI, and Carlos Asuaje hit a three-run homer. Manuel Margot was 2 for 4 with two doubles.
Sea Dogs right-hander Aaron Wilkerson (4-1) continued his string of fine starts, holding the Rock Cats to two runs (one earned) on four hits over six innings.
Wilkerson, 26, was signed out of the independent leagues last season and has moved up the Red Sox system. Promoted to Portland in August, he initially struggled in two starts (eight earned runs in 82/3 innings).
Since then, Wilkerson has allowed just three earned runs in five starts (30 innings).
Ausaje’s blast, his eighth of the season, was part of a five-run third inning, giving Wilkerson a comfortable 6-2 lead.
Noel Cuevas hit a two-run homer off Sea Dogs reliever Simon Mercedes.
NOTES: The Sea Dogs handed out their annual awards, voted on by the fans. First baseman Sam Travis (.300/.821 OPS) was named MVP and Williams Cuevas (8-5, 3.40) the top pitcher. Catcher/designated hitter Tim Roberson received the Tenth Man Award, and pitcher Mike McCarthy was voted Citizen of the Year for the season straight season. … Travis is one of five Sea Dogs headed to the Arizona Fall League, a showcase offseason league for prospects. He will be joined by Wilkerson, reliever Kyle Martin, Asuaje and shortstop Tzu-Wei Lin. Salem reliever Chandler Shepherd is also headed to Arizona. … Travis sat out a second straight game Monday. Manager Billy McMillon said Travis will get plenty of at-bats in Arizona and he wanted to see other players. … The Sea Dogs plan to announce their 2016 schedule later in the month. Individual game tickets will go on sale Nov. 7. … Altoona became the fourth and final team to earn a berth in the Eastern League playoffs. The Curve will play West Division champion Bowie in the first round. East Division champ Reading will play Binghamton in the other first-round series.
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