Nicholson, Suns burn Mudcats

David Nicholson broke a seventh-inning tie with a two-run double to lead host Jacksonville over Carolina, 5-3, on Saturday.

The Suns sent nine batters to the plate against three Mudcats pitchers in the decisive frame, scoring three runs on a hit, five walks and an error.

Cory Dunlap scored from third on catcher Brett Hayes' errant pickoff attempt. Marshall McDougall and A.J. Ellis followed with walks to load the bases for Nicholson. The right fielder hit a grounder through the right side to give Jacksonville a two-run lead.

John Lindsey slugged his 10th homer in the second and McDougall went deep in the fifth for the Suns (24-19).

Luis Gonzalez (2-0) tossed a scoreless seventh inning to pick up his second win, striking out a pair. Mark Alexander followed with two scoreless innings for his first save. Starter Giuseppe Norrito struck out two and allowed three runs -- two earned -- on six hits in six innings.

Chase Lambin went 3-for-4 with a solo homer for Carolina (16-27).

Scott Tyler (0-2) took the loss, allowing two runs on two walks without recording an out in the seventh. Starter James Russ surrendered a pair of runs on three hits, striking out six in 5 2/3 innings. --Danny Wild/MLB.com