Las Vegas Stars scorecard -- August 12, 1998

By Tim Graham

Stan Spencer pitched hitless ball for 5 1/3 innings and Creighton Gubanich belted a first-inning grand slam to propel the Stars to a key victory over the Salt Lake Buzz Tuesday night. The win, paired with a loss by first-place Fresno, moved Las Vegas within six games of the top spot with 27 games remaining. "The later the season gets, the more important the games," manager Jerry Royster said."Picking up four games or three out of four is essential. We can control our own destiny." The Stars registered 12 hits, marking the 11th straight game they collected 10 or more. James Mouton went 3-for-4 with an RBI. ... The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority announced Tuesday it is close to reaching an agreement that will give Cashman Field a new scoreboard by next season. It will feature a replay screen and replace the only scoreboard in the ballpark's 16-year history. ... Outfielder Dusty Allen was named the Pacific Coast League's offensive player of the week. Allen batted .524 with four runs, four doubles, one home run and six RBIs in seven games. ... For the second time this season, Buzz outfielder Chris Latham returned home immediately after being sent down by the Minnesota Twins. The Basic High grad was reassigned on Monday. When Latham was optioned to the Buzz in May, his first series also was at Cashman Field. Latham smacked an RBI double and recorded an assist. ... Buzz catcher Jeff Horn resides in Las Vegas. ... Pitcher Jim Bruske and outfielder Aaron Guiel were activated Tuesday as rosters were expanded from 23 to 25 players. Bruske was optioned from San Diego, while Guiel returned from a rehab assignment resulting from laser surgery he had in July to correct stigmatisms to both eyes. ... According to Royster, utilityman Greg LaRocca , who pinch-hit on Sunday after missing five games with a hamstring injury, will not play again until the weekend.

Upcoming games

The Stars continue their four-game series against the Salt Lake Buzz at Cashman Field tonight at 7:05 p.m. when Las Vegas right-hander Brian Tollberg (5-3, 5.99) will oppose right-hander Doug Linton (3-3, 6.22). Left-hander Heath Murray (7-8, 4.59) opposes Buzz right-hander Shane Bowers (7-5, 5.66) Thursday night. The series and the homestand conclude Friday night at 7:05 with right-hander Matt Clement (10-6, 3.88) facing Salt Lake right-hander Dan Perkins (1-0, 6.75).

Attendance

Tuesday's crowd: 2,902.

Season total: 280,075 (60 dates).

Average per date: 4,668.

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