May picking up family business

Jacob May has quite the name to live up to, but if he keeps playing like he did Monday night, he'll make his own.

The No. 15 White Sox prospect homered and drove in a career-high five runs in Class A Kannapolis' 10-5 win over Lexington at CMC-NorthEast Stadium. It was also a season high for the Intimidators.

"Today was definitely a confidence booster," May said. "I've been grinding, trying to get better every day. I get to the park early and work hard, so it was good to see some of the hard work pay off today. I'll enjoy it for a bit and then be back at it tomorrow."

The native of Liberty Township, Ohio, was selected in the third round of the 2013 Draft.

"It was a dream come true. I always wanted to play professional baseball. When they called my name I couldn't do anything but cry. I've got a foot in the door and I'm going to take it and run with it," May said.

The 21-year-old started off his professional career hot, hitting .378 with a .926 OPS and five steals in 45 at-bats for Great Falls of the Rookie-level Pioneer League. After just 12 games, May was promoted to Kannapolis, where he's struggled to find the same rhythm at the plate, hitting .167 in 78 at-bats.

"I think it's kind of a learning thing," he said. "I know with my family being around the game that you're going to have some struggles, and it's a chance to show what kind of person you are. Are you going to give up or keep grinding?"

May has an impressive pedigree. His father, Lee May Jr., was a Mets' first-round selection in 1986, and his grandfather, Lee May Sr., hit 354 home runs and earned three All-Star selections as a first baseman and outfielder for four franchises.

"It's definitely helped me now that I'm in the pros. Being around my father kind of taught me the ups and downs of the Minor Leagues," Jacob May said. "Struggles are normal, you've got to take it for what it's worth. I knew coming in that it's not going to be easy and I have to work for it."

Unlike his grandfather, the center fielder doesn't rely on power to make his presence felt.

"My speed [is my biggest strength]. That's something I can really impact the game with as far as taking away hits, laying down a bunt or turning a single into a double," he said.

With a lot of experience in the game just a phone call away, the latest in the May line of baseball players knows he'll have to pave his own road to the Majors.

"It's still a learning process and you're not going to be in the big leagues in a snap of a finger. So I'm just out here to improve and work hard to get better every day," May said.

Jefferson Olacio (5-10) earned the win by allowing five runs -- four earned -- on five hits over six innings, the sixth straight start he's thrown at least that many. The 6-foot-7 left-hander entered the game with the fourth-best ERA in the South Atlantic League since the All-Star Break, a 1.50 mark over 36 innings.

Catcher Mike Marjama homered and drove in three runs.