Haley strong effort in 2-1 loss at New Britain

New Britain, Conn. - Justin Morneau, who is on a 3-game Major League Rehab Assignment with the New Britain Rock Cats, hit the first pitch of the fourth inning for a solo-homer, snapping a 1-1 tie and giving the Rock Cats (62-69) a 2-1 win over the Portland Sea Dogs (49-84) on Saturday night at New Britain Stadium.

Jeff Hoffman (1-2), who was acquired in the Troy Tulowitzki trade, earned the win for the Rock Cats. Hoffman worked six strong innings, giving up one unearned run over 6 IP on one hit, two walks and six strikeouts.

Justin Haley (5-15) suffered the tough-luck loss for the Sea Dogs. Haley earned his 7th quality start, giving up two runs (one earned) over 6 innings on three hits and six strikeouts.

New Britain's bullpen received two perfect innings from Kraig Sitton (4 strikeouts) and Carlos Estevez earned his 10th save with a scoreless ninth.

Both teams got unearned runs early. New Britain took a 1-0 lead on a safety-squeeze by Joey Wong. Portland tied the game on an error by 1B Jordan Patterson.

John Cornely pitched two scoreless for Portland and fanned two. 

Sunday afternoon is the final game ever at New Britain Stadium, as the Rock Cats will be moving to Hartford in 2016. LHP Danny Rosenbaum (0-7, 7.67) makes his 10th start of the year for Portland. RHP Shane Carle (13-7, 3.59) is on the hill for New Britain. Pre-Game coverage begins live on the WPEI U.S. Cellular Sea Dogs Radio Network at 1:15 PM. 

Tickets are still available for the final Sea Dogs homestand from September 4-7 and can be purchased at 207-879-9500 or seadogs.com.