Las Vegas Stars scorecard -- July 16, 1998

By Steve Guiremand

Surprise, surprise. The Stars, who entered this week's showdown with Pacific Coast League South Division leader Fresno having lost seven straight to the Grizzlies, will be going for a four-game sweep tonight at Cashman Field. Las Vegas, behind a strong pitching performance by right-hander Brad Kaufman (6-7) and back-to-back RBI doubles by third baseman Greg LaRocca and left fielder James Mouton in the sixth inning, defeated Fresno, 3-1, on Wednesday night. Will Cunnane struck out the side in the ninth to earn his second save. "That was his most productive night of the year," Stars manager Jerry Royster said of Kaufman's seven-inning, six-hit, one run stint that also featured six strikeouts, including four in a row during one stretch. ... The Stars (45-45), who only nine days ago trailed Fresno by 16 games in the standings, can cut that margin to 10 games with a win tonight. ... To make room for reliever Paul Menhart coming off the disabled list, the Stars on Wednesday sent right-handed pitcher Brian Wolff back to double-A Mobile. Wolff had a 0-0 record and 6.75 ERA in 10 relief appearances and garnered one save. "Hopefully it won't be long before he's back," Royster said. "He's definitely been on an upward movement in our organization." ... Temperature at game-time on Wednesday night was 106-degrees, hottest of the season. ... Stars players underwent mandatory Pacific Coast League drug testing prior to Tuesday night's game. ... Pacific Coast League RBI leader George Arias sat out Wednesday night's game with the flu.

Upcoming games

The Stars conclude their series with Fresno tonight with a 7:05 game at Cashman Field. Right-hander Stan Spencer (6-5, 4.26) starts for Las Vegas against right-hander Chris Brock (11-3, 3.29). The Stars begin a short four-game road trip at Salt Lake on Friday night before returning for an eight-game homestand against Iowa (July 21-25) and Albuquerque (July 25-28).

Attendance

Wednesday's crowd: 2,919.

Season total: 214,826 (46 dates).

Average per date: 4,670.

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