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Déja Vu: Morneau's Homer Wins It for Rock Cats

August 29, 2015 - Eastern League (EL1)
New Britain Rock Cats News Release


New Britain- In their last-ever night game at New Britain Stadium Saturday night, the Rock Cats continued to evoke memories of seasons past. Major league star Justin Morneau, on a rehab assignment with the Colorado Rockies, launched a major league-style home run over the right field wall in the fourth inning, lifting New Britain to a 2-1 victory over the Portland Sea Dogs.

Morneau, who starred with the Rock Cats in parts of three seasons in 2001, '02 and '03, when the franchise was affiliated with the Minnesota Twins, jumped on the first pitch from Portland right hander Justin Haley, sending the crowd of 6,429 into a frenzy.

"He (Morneau) talked to me about his next couple of at bats about pitches and what he saw. He was feeling good about it, if he saw those same pitches. So it was good to see him actually get there and do his thing," said Rock Cats manager Darin Everson. Morneau went 1-for-3 in his second game on rehabilitation.

The home run by the 2014 National League batting champion turned out to be the difference in a tight pitcher's duel, that enabled Rockies's prospect Jeff Hoffman to win his first game at the Double-A level. Hoffman pitched six innings, struck out six and allowed just one unearned run on one hit. Relievers Kraig Sitton and Carlos Estevez closed out the game with three scoreless frames, allowing just one hit and striking out four.

"It was outstanding for him (to get the win)," Everson said of Hoffman's first victory. "He had to go through a little adversity and he was able to come back with his other pitches to make sure he stayed efficient in the fifth inning to get to that sixth inning."

New Britain, which only had four hits, scored the game's first run on a safety squeeze bunt by Joey Wong in the second inning. Portland tied it on an error in the fourth, setting the stage for Morneau's dramatics.

The Rock Cats will play their last-ever game at New Britain Stadium, Sunday afternoon at 1:35. RHP Shane Carle, 13-7, will try to become the first Rock Cats pitcher since Juan Rincon in 2001 to 14 games in a season. A benefit, celebrity softball game will follow the finale, featuring several former major league baseball players, including Hall of Famers Rollie Fingers and Ferguson Jenkins. Local television personalities will also participate.

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