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Morneau Returns Before Record Crowd, But Cats Lose

August 28, 2015 - Eastern League (EL1)
New Britain Rock Cats News Release


New Britain- Evoking memories from earlier in their history, the New Britain Rock Cats played before a record crowd at New Britain Stadium Friday night with Justin Morneau playing at first base. 8,672 fans packed the stadium, the largest crowd ever, breaking the old mark of 8,633 set when the franchise hosted the 2013 Eastern League All-Star game. The Portland Sea Dogs won the game, 4-0, as three pitchers combined to three-hit New Britain.

Morneau, who cut his teeth in a Rock Cats uniform, when the franchise was affiliated with the Minnesota Twins, played first base for the first four innings, his first game action of any kind since he injured his neck, playing for the Colorado Rockies in a game against the Los Angeles Angels on May 13. The 2014 National League batting champion singled in his first at bat and struck out looking in his second at bat. He will play for the Rock Cats throughout the weekend on a rehab assignment.

"I didn't know this would be the Rock Cats last series at home until I got to the park," said Morneau, who added it was "pretty cool" to be part of the historic weekend, before the franchise moves to Hartford in 2016.

Morneau was also happy to be playing in a game for the first time in more than three months. "It felt good just to play a baseball game, instead of always taking batting practice or just exercising," said the 2006 American League MVP. Morneau said he felt great after his appearance.

As for the game, Portland, leading 1-0, broke open a close contest with three runs in the eighth inning. Morneau, Zach Osborne and Noel Cuevas had the lone New Britain hits.

In their last-ever home stand at New Britain Stadium, the Rock Cats will continue the series against Portland Saturday night at 7:05. Jeff Hoffman, acquired by the Colorado Rockies from Toronto in the Troy Tulowitski deal, will start for the Rock Cats against RHP Justin Haley for the Red Sox affiliate.

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