36 Edwin Jackson, SP

Cubs manager Dale Sveum told MLB.com Friday he wants to see pitcher Edwin Jackson throw with more conviction and be at maximum velocity throughout his entire outing.

Jackson allowed four runs on six hits in three innings as his start was cut short by rain Thursday afternoon. There have been no discussions about taking Jackson out of the rotation.

"You've got a commitment there. You've got to stick with the commitment and coach them and teach," Sveum said. "It's not like he's a kid. He's a veteran player. Sometimes you just have to do it yourself. People play in the big leagues a long time. Sometimes you just have to do the things to get better yourself."

Cubs pitcher Edwin Jackson's Thursday start was cut short by rain, but it didn't look like he was long for the mound with the way he was pitching even before an hour and 47-minute rain delay.

Jackson surrendered six hits in the outing in just three innings, and ran into trouble in each of his first two innings. He allowed two runs on three hits and a walk in the first inning, and then gave up two more runs on three more hits in the second.

Jackson settled down in the third inning with a pair of strikeouts, but the rain opened up and he had no chance to continue his outing. He finished with four runs allowed on six hits in three innings of work, with three strikeouts and one walk, while taking the loss in a 4-2 final.

Jackson's ERA rose to 6.11 in the start, while his record dropped to 1-7. Jackson is set to take the mound Tuesday against the White Sox. 

Cubs starting pitcher Edwin Jackson was sharper than he has been all season Friday against the Mets, but it was still not enough to earn his second win as the Cubs fell, 3-2.

Jackson allowed a pair of solo home runs in the first and fourth inning, but that was all of the damage until the seventh, when he was chased with two outs after opposing starter Matt Harvey drove a single to left field to break a 2-2 tie. Jackson would earn the loss in the game as a result.

Jackson allowed three earned runs on seven hits and a walk, while striking out four batters. Despite throwing just his third quality start of the season, Jackson is now 1-6 on the season, with a 5.76 ERA. He will try to get back on the winning side in his next start, Thursday in Pittsburgh.