7/2 Jackson doing well at Tennessee

Here’s a news flash: Brett Jackson didn’t get a hit Thursday. The Cubs’ No. 1 Draft pick in 2009, Jackson batted .316 in 67 games at Class A Daytona and was promoted to Double-A Tennessee on Sunday. He had nine hits in his first four games since his promotion, including home runs in each of his first two games, but he went 0-for-4 Thursday against West Tenn.

“He’s been on fire,” player development director Oneri Fleita said of the outfielder. “He’s probably hitting at a .600 or .700 clip. I’m sure the baseball looks like a watermelon to him.”

Officially, Jackson is batting .391 at Double-A with two doubles, two homers and six RBIs in five games. He is batting .600 off left-handers.

“He’ll be challenged big time at the level he’s at,” said Dave Keller, the Cubs’ roving Minor League hitting instructor.

One of the reasons is that Southern League teams play five-game series, which saves on travel costs but also gives teams plenty of time to scout.

“If you hit well in the first or second game of the series, that third, fourth, fifth and sometimes sixth game you have to learn how to adjust,” Keller said. “From our standpoint offensively, it’s great because our guys learn how to adjust and it helps them with their plan. That’s what this level is all about.”

– Carrie Muskat