Smith hurls Stars past Dukes

Matt O'Brien

Tuesday, Aug. 31, 1999 | 11:08 a.m.

With the center-field flags snapping in a strong northeast wind, the small crowd at Cashman Field expected to see a classic Pacific Coast League run-fest Monday night. Unfortunately for the Albuquerque Dukes, Las Vegas' opponent, someone forgot to notify Pete Smith.

In the opening game of the Stars' final homestand of the season, the veteran right-hander went six strong innings, surrendering three hits and one run, leading Las Vegas to a 7-3 victory over Albuquerque (64-68).

Later Monday, the Stars (62-73) were mathematically eliminated from the playoffs when division-leading Fresno defeated Salt Lake 6-3.

"I felt pretty comfortable out there," said Smith, who earned his third victory of the season in limited duty with the Stars. "I made good pitches, except for one change-up."

Smith's lone mistake came in the second inning, when Brent Cookson pulled an off-speed offering over the left-field fence.

Albuquerque starter Jeff Williams, who suffered his seventh loss of the season, was not as fortunate. After surrendering only one run in his first five innings of work, the Stars posted a six spot on Williams in the sixth. George Arias and Gary Matthews Jr. blasted two-run homers in the extended inning.

"It was a fastball in," said Arias. "I was looking for one pitch in one spot. (Williams) threw it there and I got it."

Brandon Kolb and Roberto Rivera pitched the final three innings for Las Vegas.

"For a while, we didn't have much of a home-field advantage," said Stars manager Mike Ramsey, whose club has won 12 of its last 16 games at Cashman Field. "It's good to get some wins at home and play well. I wish we could've played like this at home all year long."

* STAFF INFECTION: Smith's impressive outing was a rarity. Before Monday night's contest, Las Vegas starters were 17-38 with a 5.92 ERA over their last 79 games.

* UP NEXT: The Stars continue their four-game series against the Dukes tonight at 7:05 p.m. Carlos Almanzar (1-3, 13.15) is scheduled to start against former Star Robbie Beckett (1-2, 7.44).