Zephyrs earn first spring win, 6-4

Rick VandenHurk took another step forward in his pursuit of a spot on the Florida Marlins' Opening Day roster, allowing one hit in four innings as the New Orleans Zephyrs beat the Memphis Redbirds 6-4 on Sunday in Jupiter, Fla.

VandenHurk struck out four and hit a batter over four scoreless innings. The Netherlands native is considered a candidate for either a spot in the Marlins' starting rotation, or in their bullpen. He has a 6.23 ERA in three Grapefruit League games, including one start.

The Zephyrs scored four times in the second inning, three coming on a bases loaded double by Jose Torres. Jai Miller hit a solo home run in the third to give New Orleans a 5-0 lead. Miller also singled and stole a base.

After Memphis closed the gap to 5-4, Ryan Klosterman added a solo home run in the eighth inning, and Adalberto Mendez struck out the side in order to close out the Zephyrs' first spring win.

The Marlins have Monday off, and will play intersquad games on the Roger Dean Stadium back fields, with Clay Hensley and Andrew Miller scheduled to pitch. The Z's host the Buffalo Bisons on Tuesday.