Jorge pitches Kernels to Game 1 win

Cedar Rapids didn't have any hitters near the top of the Midwest League in any of the major offensive categories. But that doesn't means its lineup isn't formidable.

Every player got at least one hit to back Felix Jorge, who pitched six strong innings Wednesday night as the Kernels blanked West Michigan, 5-0, in Game 1 of the best-of-5 Championship Series.

"Nick Gordon is a very talented individual, but we don't have that superstar, dominant offensive player," Cedar Rapids manager Jake Mauer said. "We have a lot of guys who compete and have good at-bats. We were fortunate to bunch some hits together tonight. That's our deal: we try to take quality at-bats up and down the lineup."

Cedar Rapids scored three runs in the fifth at Fifth Third Ballpark and never looked back. Max Murphy drew a leadoff walk, took second on a groundout and came home on a single by Austin Diemer, who was thrown out at second base. Rafael P. Valera singled to chase Whitecaps starter and Tigers No. 5 prospect Spencer Turnbull (1-1) and Gordon -- the Twins' fifth-ranked prospect -- greeted Trey Teakell with another base hit. Edgar Corcino doubled home both runners, although left fielder and No. 10 prospect Christin Stewart recorded his second assist of the inning.

Jorge protected the lead, allowing four hits and two walks while striking out four.

"He mixed [his pitches] real well tonight," Mauer said. "He made good use of his off-speed stuff. His fastball command wasn't as good as it usually is. That's one thing he's been working on a lot with [pitching coach] Henry Bonilla and catcher Brian Navaretto -- finding the right mix with his pitches. He kept the ball down and got out of jams."

The 21-year-old Dominican right-hander allowed a hit and a walk to open the second but retired the next three Whitecaps, two via strikeouts. He was aided by Corcino's diving catch in the third.

Murphy provided some insurance with a two-run single in the eighth off Spenser Watkins.

Luke Bard, who hadn't pitched since Sept. 9, struck out five over two perfect innings for the Kernels before Randy LeBlanc fanned two in the ninth.

"We knew we had Luke out there, rested and ready to go," Mauer said. "Felix threw close to 110 [pitches] in his last start. We felt he did his job after six. Luke has a real good slider and he was very aggressive tonight. He went right after guys."

Stewart and A.J. Simcox had two hits apiece for West Michigan, which hosts Game 2 on Thursday.