Stars turn tables in comeback win

Thursday, July 24, 1997 | 9:15 a.m.

SALT LAKE CITY -- The Las Vegas Stars' bullpen blew another lead Wednesday night, but this time the Salt Lake Buzz played their own version of giveaway.

One night after blowing leads of 11-7 and 14-11 in the final two innings, the Stars squandered a 6-3 lead in the eighth and fell behind 7-6 only to score four runs in the ninth and hang on for a 10-9 victory over the Buzz at Franklin Quest Field.

Leading 6-3 after seven innings, Stars relievers Rich Batchelor and Steve Mintz gave up four runs on four hits in the bottom of the eight to let the Buzz take a one-run lead into the ninth.

Las Vegas answered with four runs in its final at-bat to take a 10-7 lead. Stoney Briggs had a pinch-hit RBI double to tie the score, Dave Hajek singled in the go-ahead run and Steve Scarsone provided what would prove to be the winning run with a two-run double.

But Salt Lake wasn't through. Brent Brede led off the ninth against Mintz (4-1) with a single and Damian Miller belted a two-run home run to pull the Buzz to within a run. Mintz settled down and retired the next three hitters in order to secure the victory.

Salt Lake starter Gustavo Gundarillas was knocked out of the game in the first inning by a line-drive off the bat of the Stars' Ruben Rivera. Gundarillas suffered a broken ankle which will require surgery and will be out for the remainder of the season.