May 11, 2002

LOS ANGELES -- During the Houston Astros-Philadelphia Phillies game on Wednesday (May 8), backup outfielder Orlando Merced pulled a hamstring. A few hours later in Fresno, Calif., former USC outfielder/pitcher Jason Lane was playing with the Triple-A New Orleans Zephyrs and was pulled from the game in the sixth inning. Lane then found out why he was being pulled as he was called up by the Astros, becoming the 87th player in USC history to reach the major leagues.

The Sebastopol, Calif. native played during the 1998 and 1999 seasons for the Trojans. He hit .332 with 14 home runs, 50 RBI and eight stolen bases as a member of the 1998 national championship team. He also recorded a 9-2 record with a 5.34 ERA as a left-handed pitcher. He made the All-College World Series team, setting CWS records at the time for hits (15) and total bases (31). He batted .517 (15-for-29) with four home runs and nine RBI. Lane also registered the victory in the title game against Arizona State.

Lane was the 2001 Texas League Player of the Year for the Double-A Round Rock Express, batting .316 with 38 home runs and 124 RBI. He was batting .303 in 33 games with three home runs and 21 RBI this season with New Orleans before the promotion. Lane made his major league debut on Friday (May 10), flying out to left in a pinch-hit appearance in the seventh.

Lane becomes the 19th major leaguer to have played for head coach Mike Gillespie at USC.