Larson, Zephyrs belt Express

Brandon Larson clubbed a grand slam, and four pitchers limited Round Rock to six hits as the Zephyrs defeated the Express, 5-1, on Friday.

New Orleans (10-5) loaded the bases in the first inning, when Jason Hirsh gave up consecutive singles to Tyrell Godwin and Mike Vento. After a walk to Larry Broadway, Larson drove the ball over the center-field fence for his third home run.

New Orleans (10-5) made it 5-0 in the second as Reginald Fitzpatrick manufactured a run. He led off with a single and went to second on a groundout by Saul Rivera. Fitzpatrick stole third and scored on a throwing error by catcher Hector Gimenez.

Hirsh (1-1) allowed five runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out six in 5 2/3 innings.

The Express (6-9) got their run in the fourth, when Brian Gordon led off with a double and scored on a groundout by Joe McEwing.

New Orleans starter Saul Rivera surrendered four hits over three innings in the first start of his nine-year career, lowering his ERA to 0.82. Jason Bergmann (2-0) picked up the win, allowing one run on two hits in three innings.

Broadway went 2-for-3 and singled in the third to extend his hit streak to 13 games. He raised his average to .407.

The Express travel to Iowa to start a four-game series with the Cubs at 8:05 p.m. ET on Saturday. The Zephyrs return home for a four-game series with the Isotopes at 8 p.m. ET. --Tim Leonard/MLB.com