Cubs no problem for Stars' Spencer

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Stan Spencer allowed only one hit in seven innings as the Las Vegas Stars cruised to a 7-2 victory over the Central Division-leading Iowa Cubs Sunday night.

Las Vegas raised its record to 61-59, but was unable to make up ground on Southern Division leader Salt Lake, which defeated Calgary 6-3 Sunday. The Stars did, however, pick up a game on second-place Fresno, which fell to Colorado Springs 12-8.

Spencer, who raised his record to 11-6, retired 17 consecutive Cubs from the second to eighth inning. He struck out five and walked two.

Paul Menhart went the final 1 1/3 innings for his fourth save of the season. Menhart entered the game in eighth with two outs and Cubs on first and second. He struck out Matt Mieske to end the threat.

Spencer's batterymate, Creighton Gubanich, and center field replacement Charles Poe each homered and drove in two runs for the Stars. Left fielder Dusty Allen also knocked in a pair of runs.

Cubs starter Kyle Farnsworth allowed six hits and four runs in six innings. He dropped to 4-9 on the season. Kary Bridges drove in a run in the second inning and Jason Hardtke's homered in the eighth to provided the Cubs' scoring.

The Stars face the Cubs again tonight, with left-hander Heath Murray (7-9, 5.06 ERA) facing right-hander Dave Swartzbaugh (12-5, 3.58).

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