Saccomanno lifts Z's past Redbirds

Mark Saccomanno had two hits, including an RBI double, and scored three times to help the New Orleans Zephyrs beat the Memphis Redbirds 9-8 on Wednesday in Jupiter, Fla.

Jason Delaney added two hits, two RBI and scored twice, and Lee Mitchell had a two-run double as the Zephyrs built a 9-5 lead through five innings against Memphis starter Lance Lynn, then held off a late Redbirds rally.

Scott Strickland, vying for a spot in the Florida Marlins' bullpen, started for the Z's and tossed two scoreless innings. Brian Lawrence allowed five runs - four earned - and seven hits in 2 2/3 innings, including a home run to Kevin Howard, who finished a double shy of the cycle for Memphis.

Taylor Tankersley retired all four batters he faced, and Kasey Olenberger pitched a scoreless frame.

Memphis tallied two runs in the eighth against Brett Sinkbeil, and another in the ninth off Chris Schroder to draw within a run. Donovan Solano had three hits for the Redbirds.

New Orleans has a camp day on Thursday, and returns to spring training action on Friday against the Buffalo Bisons.