Jackson's Star Rising

Austin Jackson practically single handedly beat the New Britain Rock Cats yesterday in the Trenton Thunder's 9-3 win. Jackson had 2 doubles, a single, and 7 RBI to back the pitching of Jason Jones, who improved to 8-1. Zac Boyer of the Trenton Times spoke with Jackson after the game.

"I was looking for something to drive in the gaps -- that was the main thing," said Jackson, who also finished with seven RBIs in a 15-5 win at Reading on May 21. "I'm trying to just become more of a gap- to-gap hitter, really. The home runs and things like that will come, but that's mainly what we're working on."

After a rough April, in which he hit just .268 with 3 RBI in 27 games, Jackson heated back up in May. He hit .280 with 3 home runs and 23 RBI and posted an .861 OPS.

The Thunder also beat the Rock Cats on Saturday 13-3. P.J. Pillitere and Chris Malec had 4 hits each and combined for 5 RBI. Mark Melancon picked up the win in relief despite allowed 2 runs in 3.2 innings. Anthony Claggett provided 2.1 scoreless innings of relief.

Mike Ashmore has a Q&A today with Thunder outfielder Colin Curtis.

Scranton split a pair with the Rochester Red Wings over the weekend. The Yankees scored 3 in the 10th on Saturday, capped off by Jason Lane's 2-run home run, to take a 5-2 victory. David Robertson earned the win.

Steven White was roughed up in Sunday's start, allowing 6 earned runs in 3 innings as the Yankees fell 8-7. Dan Giese started, but was pulled after 1 inning, further fueling the fire that he'll be in New York on Tuesday. Phil Humber, one of the players acquired in the Johan Santana deal, picked up the win for the Red Wings. Eric Duncan homered and drove in 4 in the loss.

It has also been learned that Jason Lane can opt out of his contract if not recalled by tomorrow. Considering Jorge Posada will be returning this week and the Yankees will be carrying 3 catcher for a while, the recall doesn't seem likely.

It was a tough weekend for the Tampa Yankees as they were swept by the Ft. Myers Miracle. Having already lost Friday's game, the Yankees didn't get the pitching they needed to earn a win. Zach McAllister gave up 4 earned runs in 4 innings in Saturday's 8-6 loss. Josue Calzado had 3 hits and a pair of ribbies for Tampa. Scott Baker was making a rehab start for the Twins 'A' team and picked up the win.

Christian Garcia didn't fare any better on Sunday, allowing 6 runs in 4 innings as the Yankees lost 7-1. Calzado hit his 4th home run of the year.

It was a very successful weekend for the Charleston RiverDogs though. They took a pair of games to complete a 4-game sweep of the Hickory Crawdads. On Saturday, Adam Olbrychowski went 5 innings in a 2-0 win. Jon Ortiz picked up his 16th save. Both Dogs runs were unearned.

Ortiz blew his 3rd save on Sunday, but picked up the win when the RiverDogs rallied from a 6-5 deficit for a 9-6 win. Jesus Montero enjoyed a 2-hit, 2 RBI day and Carmen Angelini was 3-3 with an RBI and 2 runs scored. Lance Pendleton gave the RiverDogs a quality start with 3 runs allowed in 6 innings.