West struggles in loss to 'Birds

The Memphis Redbirds struck for four first-inning runs off Sean West, then held on for a 4-3 win over the New Orleans Zephyrs on Thursday afternoon at Jupiter, Fla.

West struggled with his command in his final official start before the regular season, walking four and allowing six hits in 4 2/3 innings. He struck out seven in taking the loss.

Victor Garate, Jay Buente, Dan Jennings and Todd Doolittle combined to shut out the Redbirds over the final 4 1/3 innings, allowing just two hits to keep New Orleans in the game.

Chris Aguila and Matt Dominguez led the Zephyrs' offensive attack, each collecting two hits with an RBI. Catcher Clint Sammons also had an RBI single and walked twice.

The Z's play the penultimate game of the spring training schedule on Friday when they travel to Port St. Lucie to face the Buffalo Bisons.