Oct. 02--CINCINNATI -- Outfielder Austin Jackson has three seasons of playoff experience but is careful not to make a big deal of it talking with his Cubs' teammates.
Jackson, battling for a spot on the wild-card roster, let his bat make a statement Thursday with a three-run homer to pace the Cubs to a 5-3 victory over the Reds.
"You can tell this is a loose group of guys who like to keep it fun, play hard and that's something I've always been a part of," said Jackson, 28, who played in 35 games over three consecutive postseasons with the Tigers (2011-13).
"You don't want to come in and try to act like this guy who knows it all and has been doing it for awhile. Everyone comes to the field with a smile on his face and it makes it that much easier coming from another team."
Since joining the Cubs on Aug. 31, Jackson has adjusted by playing right and left fields after playing center his entire career and is adjusting to spot duty while trying to earn a playoff spot.
"Time will really tell with that," said Jackson, who is batting .231 in 26 games since joining the Cubs from the Mariners. "I'm trying to do whatever I can do to help the team win."
If selected, Jackson believes he can be an asset.
"It's a different animal in the playoffs, but ... these guys definitely have the composure to win."
Split decisions: If Jason Hammel pitches in the playoffs, he likely will face the Cardinals in the National League Division Series.
Hammel pitched six shutout innings before being charged with three runs in the seventh inning of an 8-5 victory Sept. 8 at Busch Stadium. That was one of his few impressive starts in an otherwise rough second half.
"A tale of two halves," said Hammel, who lasted only one inning in his last start of the first half against the Cardinals because of a knee injury. "Post-injury, I wasn't good. It's the honest view of it."
Hammel, who pitched five shutout innings Thursday to pick up the 5-3 victory over the Reds, had a 5-4 record and 2.86 ERA in the first half but his era was 5.10 in the second half though he went 5-3.
