Reno Aces: May has his day in Reno

All Aces catcher Lucas May needed was a change of scenery.

May started the 2011 season as an Omaha Storm Chaser -- the Kansas City Royals' Triple-A affiliate. His confidence had been shaken after he was cut from the Royals' roster on the last day of spring training. It showed. He struggled, batting .176 in 25 games with Omaha.

That all changed on June 2, when he was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks and arrived in Reno to the first-place Aces. Since then, he has rediscovered his confidence and offense. In the 26 games he has played for the Aces as a backup to all-star catcher Konrad Schmidt, his average has almost doubled.

"This team is playing really well and when you surround yourself with the type of guys that we have on our team, it's easier to play that way," May said. "Everyone's confidence is up, which boosts your confidence."

The difference was no more obvious than Thursday's game against the 51s. The Aces trailed 6-5 in the bottom of the ninth inning and had two outs when May stepped to the plate. The result was a game-tying home run and an eventual Aces victory in extra innings.

Aces manager Brett Butler said May has been a solid player on offense and defense for the team. He doesn't have a weakness on defense and has been patient on offense, fitting in well with Aces' veteran lineup.

In his last eight games, May has 10 hits and nine RBIs. Overall, his statistics have nearly doubled in every category since his arrival in Reno.

"Last night he gave us a tie," Butler said. "He just gives us some stability."

May said the biggest difference is playing on a veteran team. While he enjoyed his time in Omaha, it was a young team. Playing with veterans gave the 26-year-old May a chance to observe and absorb their habits.

"Veteran guys know how business is supposed to be done," May said. "So they set it by example. You watch what they do, hear what they say and try to incorporate that in your own game."

Talking with hitting coach Rick Burleson has also helped. May often approaches the coach to discuss the mental aspect of the game, like pitch sequences and specific at-bats. May said that has been important to his success.

"For me the biggest thing about Burly is that he's been there and he's been conversational about the games so he's helped a lot," May said.

While May didn't play in the Friday's game at Aces ballpark, he is still enthusiastic. He loves his new scenery.

"Things that transpired in spring training, confidence might have been down a little bit," May said. "But ever since I got here, the team has welcomed me with open arms and made me feel part of the team, so it's been a lot of fun."