Linn playing pivotal role in Cane Cutters pitching staff
Relief pitcher Kade Linn joined the Acadiana Cane Cutters for the second half of the season, and the results have been palpable.
The New Iberia Senior High grad spent the last two summers in the Texas Collegiate League, albeit with the Baton Rouge Rougarou, a Louisiana Division rival of the Cane Cutters.
Last year, Linn struck out 23 in 22.2 innings with five of his 12 appearances coming against the Cane Cutters.
“I would treat it as a homecoming game, especially when we played in Lafayette,” he said. “I took it a little more personally.”
Linn, who spent his true freshman season at Mississippi College, transferred to Louisiana Christian University last year. The LCU coaches have connections with the Cane Cutters and head coach Darien Dukes, who had been wanting to sign the right-hander for years.
“I love the way Kade competes,” Dukes said. “Talk to anybody who has coached him, and they’ll tell you that he never backs down. It doesn’t matter who is up there (to bat). He is going right after them.”
Linn (1-1, 1.68 ERA) has appeared in seven games, allowing only six hits in 16 innings with 22 strikeouts and a save. He hasn’t allowed a hit in his last three appearances totaling eight innings.
“I finished this past year at LCU as the closer,” he said. “I thrive in it. I love it. I like coming into pressure situations and getting the big out.”
The Cane Cutters (22-23) have won eight of their last 10 games and are in first place of the Louisiana Division for the second half of the season.
Only July 16, Linn pitched a season-high four innings to get the win in extra innings vs. Lake Charles. Opponents are hitting just .122 against the 6-foot, 195-pounder, who plans to become a strength and conditioning coordinator once his playing days are done.
“This team has a lot of energy and momentum,” he said. “When I first got here, we were either pitching well or hitting well. Lately, we’re putting all facets together.”
Linn spent the first half of the summer training at Cressey Sports Performance in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida alongside professional athletes from different sports.
“It helped me come here and be the best self I can be,” he said. “I know what I want to do each time I’m pitching. It helped me keep my velocity consistent, land the breaking ball, and be more comfortable.”