Veteran still seeks fast Lane, helps down Sky Sox
Jason Lane was living a dream four years ago. The 32-year-old veteran got another chance Thursday at Security Service Field.
Lane was 5-for-5 and ripped two home runs and a double, accounting for six RBIs, to lead Las Vegas to a 14-4 rout against the Sky Sox.
His three-run double in the first inning and solo homer in the third came against Sky Sox starter Franklin Morales, who allowed nine runs while on rehab assignment from the Rockies.
“Obviously, it was a special night for me,” Lane said. “You don’t have these very often.”
Lane did enjoy a two-year playoff run with Houston in 2004-05. In ’05, he hit .267 with 26 homers as the every-day right fielder as the Astros reached the World Series before losing in four games to the White Sox.
“Those are amazing memories,” Lane said. “It’s what lights the fire and makes you want to get back. There’s nothing like the big leagues.”
Lane hit only 15 homers in 2006 and his average fell to .201. It got worse in ’07 (.175, eight homers) and he spent last season in the Triple-A International League with affiliates of the Yankees (.216 in 97 games) and the Red Sox (.206 in 13 games).
“I love this game and as long as I’m healthy, I’ll play as long as I can,” Lane said. “I’m confident I can still play at that level and feel I have a lot to prove there.”
Lane led the Toronto Blue Jays in hitting in spring training but was afforded little chance to make the big league roster.
“He restructured his swing and had a great spring,” Las Vegas hitting coach Ken Joyce said. “But it was a numbers game. There just wasn’t room for Jason.”
Lane has struggled with the 51s, with just two homers and 18 RBIs before the series opener with the Sky Sox. His average jumped 19 points to .239 as hard hit balls finally found holes.
“He’s hit the ball at people a lot,” Joyce said. “We talk about performance and numbers. His performance has been better than his numbers. His performance has been great.
“And he’s been a model citizen. He helps the younger players and he’s not afraid to laugh at himself. I think he’s got enough left to get back to the big leagues.”
NoteAn April game between the Sky Sox and 51s that was postponed by snow will be part of a Saturday doubleheader.
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