After a brutal sweep last week against the West Virginia Black Bears, Williamsport have responded with four straight wins going into Thursday night, clearing the way for second place in the Draft League and remaining in striking distance from first.

In the dog days of the Draft League season, it seems like there is a new hero every night doing what they can to preserve a difficult Cutters victory.

But some talents have managed to stand out from the pack, none more so at the plate than Williamsport outfielder Jackson Mayo.

Mayo had already come into Williamsport with heightened expectations. A former player with the Crosscutters, Mayo played an integral part in Billtown’s 2024 squad that clinched the first half title, setting the platform for their championship win later in the season.

Jackson Mayo of the Williamsport Crosscutters hits a single in the third inning against the Black Bears at Journey Bank Ballpark. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

In the silverware-acquiring campaign, Mayo would bat .276 with six extra base hits, 22 runs batted in, and an .877 OPS.

The eye opening numbers on top of a successful campaign can bring unrealistic expectations on Mayo’s sophomore season with Williamsport. But nobody, not the press, the fans, or maybe even the clubhouse, could have envisioned his performances this season.

Not only is Jackson Mayo surpassing his 2024 stats, but he’s building up a potential record breaking year as one of the best to wear the Crosscutter shirt.

Going into Thursday night’s series finale versus the Mahoning Valley Scrappers, the St. John’s, Florida native has compiled a monstrous .375 batting average in his first 13 appearances with the Cutters. In addition, the Floridian has acquired a 1.077 OPS, due in part to his 10 extra base hits that feature seven doubles and three home runs.

Mayo’s seven doubles? That’s more than double the amount of doubles the Floridian conjured up in 2024 (three). In addition, Mayo has already surpassed the number of stolen bases (eight in 2025, six in 2024,) and total bases (37 in 2025, 33 in 2024) while matching his home run total (three) despite playing in 10 less games than last year’s campaign.

Jackson Mayo of the Williamsport Crosscutters celebrates with team mates during a recent game at Journey Bank Ballpark. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

“He comes to play everyday, and it is so much fun to watch,” said Williamsport Crosscutter manager Kenny Thomas. “He comes to the ballpark everyday with the same mentality, same attitude, lowkey, doesn’t get excited about anything. He hit a home run? You’ll think he made an out. He just has a great attitude and he’s been a big key for sure.”

The sensational start requires a look at the record books to see just how clinical the South Florida graduate has played. In the Draft League era, Mayo stands just three home runs away from matching the single season franchise record held by Connor Denning’s six bombs in 2022.

“You know, it has been kind of amazing,” added Thomas. “When the two from South Florida came in [Mayo and outfield Marcus Brodil} you kind of thought ‘well, [Brodil] is going to be the power guy, Mayo’s gonna be the running guy. Well, that’s kind of switched. Little did I know, huh?”

In addition, Mayo is seven doubles away from matching the Draft League era franchise record held by Daniel Harris IV in 2022.

In terms of all time records in the franchise, Mayo’s .375 batting average, while early on in the second half, would be enough for the Cutters’ all time record held by Juan Aparicio in 2019.

Williamsport will have a five game road stretch starting Saturday, with the Cutters visiting the Frederick Keys in a three game stretch followed by a two game series against the Mahoning Valley Scrappers. The Cutters are next at home Wednesday, starting a five game home streak against the West Virginia Black Bears and Frederick Keys.