Stars’ ugly trip ends with a win

Friday, July 18, 1997 | 8:01 a.m.

TUCSON, Ariz. -- The Las Vegas Stars undoubtedly will be looking forward to returning to Cashman Field tonight to start a four-game series against Calgary.

Despite a 7-4 victory over the Tucson Toros Thursday night at Hi Corbett Field, the Stars posted a 3-9 record on a 12-game road trip that started July 4 in Phoenix. After opening the second half with a promising 6-2 record at home, the Stars have lost 15 of 20 since and limp back into Cashman Field with an 11-17 mark. However, they trail first-place Albuquerque by only five games in the Pacific Coast League Southern Division.

The Stars will add two new players for this weekend's series -- infielder Dave Hajek and pitcher Rich Batchelor. Hajek was acquired earlier this week in a trade with the Detroit organization and Batchelor was optioned to Las Vegas Thursday by the San Diego Padres.

Las Vegas concluded its lengthy trip by pounding out 13 hits against Tucson. Outfielder Charles Poe was 4-for-4 with two RBIs and two runs scored and Trey Beamon snapped a 4-4 tie with a two-run triple in the sixth inning.

Stars starter Rafael Medina won his second decision since joining the Stars. Medina (2-3) allowed four runs (three earned) on eight hits and struck out five in five innings and Marino Castillo, Steve Mintz and Marc Kroon combined for four innings of scoreless relief. Kroon earned his ninth save by setting down the Toros in order in the ninth.