Las Vegas Stars scorecard — May 29, 1998

Friday, May 29, 1998 | 9:07 a.m.

By Steve Guiremand

Although most of the attention has been focused on highly touted pitching phenom Matt Clement this season in Las Vegas, left-hander Heath Murray also has quietly put together an impressive stretch of pitching performances for the Stars. Murray (3-3) pitched six shutout innings in the Stars' 4-0 win over Colorado Springs on Thursday night at Cashman Field, allowing just four hits and three walks while striking out three. It marked the sixth time in his last eight starts that Murray has allowed one earned run or less. "Heath is smokin' right now," Stars manager Jerry Royster said. "He's had a bunch of good games in a row for us. We as an organization wanted to see him be more consistent and he's doing that now." Murray's ERA dipped down to a glossy 2.83. ... Good news on the injury front. Pitcher Stan Spencer threw 60 pitches in a simulated game before Thursday's game and reported that his injured foot was pain free. "No pain at all," Spencer said. "I should be able to make my next start." That will probably be Monday night against Salt Lake. ... Outfielder Chris Prieto, sidelined for six weeks because of complications from pain medicine, also played in the simulated game and reported no problems. "I felt good," Prieto said. "It's up to them now." Royster said he wanted to wait a few more days to make sure Prieto was 100 percent before activating him again. ... The long-awaited new perscription glasses for outfielder Aaron Guiel arrived before the game. "He said it takes a few days for them to take full effect," Royster said. "But he's available to play again." ... Royster said that Archie Cianfrocco's rehab assignment has been pushed back to this weekend. ... The Stars may learn today whether left-handed pitcher Ben VanRyn, who was designated for assignment by the Padres last weekend, accepts a demotion to Las Vegas, is claimed off waivers by another team, or declares himself a free agent.

Upcoming games

The Stars conclude their series with Colorado Springs tonight at Cashman Field at 7:05. Right-hander Kevin Lomon (0-4, 4.93) will start for the Stars while left-hander Michael Farmer (1-1, 5.74) gets the call for the Sky Sox. The Stars then open a four-game series with the Salt Lake Buzz on Saturday night at 7:05 with right-hander Matt Clement (4-4, 3.18) opposing Salt Lake right-hander Frank Rodriguez (1-3, 8.10).

Attendance

Thursday's crowd: 3,556.

Season total: 104,197 (26 dates).

Average per date: 4,008.