HARTFORD — It wasn’t exactly the type of homecoming Tim Cate had in mind.
The former Cheney Tech-Manchester and UConn star got the start for the Harrisburg Senators on Thursday night and was roughed up by the Hartford Yard Goats’ offense, which got to the lefthander (0-1) for six runs on nine hits in three innings. Hartford won the Eastern League game 9-4 at Dunkin’ Donuts Park.
The Senators jumped out to an early lead on Justin Connell’s first-inning two-run home run. Hartford came back with a run in the first on Aaron Schunk’s RBI single and then took the lead with a four-run second as Hunter Stovall delivered the key blow with a three-run home run.
Isaac Collins had three hits and an RBI and Kyle Datres added an RBI for the Yard Goats (51-33) who have now moved back over .500 in the second half at 8-7. Nick Bush (7-6) went seven innings for the win, allowing four runs on six hits with eight strikeouts.