Gadea's gem evens MWL semis for Clinton

Even though Kevin Gadea lacked playoff experience, Class A Clinton manager Mitch Canham had complete faith in the 21-year-old right-hander's ability to keep his team alive in the postseason.

"We all have extreme confidence in Kevin when he takes the mound," Canham said. "He's very competitive, very focused and very determined to get the job done. Even after throwing 90 pitches, he still wanted to go out and finish the game. He did a fantastic job tonight and he threw the ball like a professional."

In his first playoff start, the right-handed Mariners prospect tied a career high with 11 strikeouts over six innings in the LumberKings' 6-1 win over the Cedar Rapids Kernels at Ashford University Field on Sunday. He allowed one unearned run on four hits and a walk to help Clinton even the best-of-3 Midwest League semifinals.

"He had a very solid gameplan and he was able to execute it really well," Canham said. "He did exactly what he planned on doing and stuck with it throughout the game."

Gadea, who turned in three 10-strikeout outings in his final five starts in the regular season, tallied at least a punchout in each inning -- including striking out the side in the second on 15 pitches. The Nicaragua native gave up the lone run in the fourth on a passed ball, but also benefited from three double plays.

"He's got swing-and-miss stuff and he's been doing that in each of his outings," Canham said. "He's attacking hitters, and each time he's gone out there, he's always had a very specific gameplan in how he wants to pitch. He prepares that way with the several days he has prior to his outing and he takes it into his bullpen. He pays attention when he's in the stands charting and he's got a really good routine down between starts."

Second baseman Chris Mariscal paced the LumberKings offense with three RBIs when he unloaded the bases with a double in the fourth.

"Mariscal has been slugging the ball extremely well the last month-and-a-half," Canham said. "He definitely made a big change after the first half was over and he's been excelling both offensively and defensively for us. That's why he's in the leadoff spot -- he's getting on and creating havoc. And all the guys, one through nine, are stepping up and having good at-bats.

Clinton, which dropped Game 1 at Cedar Rapids, 9-3, will host decisive Game 3 on Monday.

"Pressure is what you make it," Canham said. "I don't believe we showed up today with any pressure at all on our shoulders. The main focus was come to the field, prepare and do what you're gifted to do and not try to do too much. Really all we have to do is just stick with our approach, be that man and do what we've been training to do all year."

In other Midwest League playoff action:

Loons 4, Whitecaps 1

Saige Jenco hit a go-ahead two-run single to help Great Lakes take Game 1 of the semifinals at home. Ivan Vieitez pitched three scoreless innings in relief for the win after starter Caleb Ferguson allowed one run on six hits over five frames. The Whitecaps host Game 2 on Monday. Box score