Stars swept by Rainiers

Thursday, May 11, 2000 | 10:15 a.m.

TACOMA --- It was a long, damp and frustrating night for the Las Vegas Stars at Cheney Stadium on Wednesday night.

After waiting more than 90 minutes to start their doubleheader with the Tacoma Rainiers because of rain, the Stars (19-11) managed just nine hits and one run in getting swept in the two games, 2-0 and 3-1.

The Stars lost sole possession of first place in the Pacific Coast League's South Division. The Stars, who held a one-game lead over idle Sacramento, are now tied for the top spot with the River Cats.

Rightfielder Chad Alexander homered and doubled and Brian Lesher and John Mabry each had RBI doubles to lead Tacoma to the 3-1 victory in the nightcap.

Former Pepperdine star Pat Ahearne (3-0) pitched five innings to pick up the victory for the Rainiers (17-15) while Eric Moody (0-1), making his first start of the season for Las Vegas, took the loss.

In the opener, Lesher hit his ninth homer of the season, a two-run blast to left-center in the fourth inning, to give the Rainiers a 2-0 win and spoil a solid three-hit outing by Las Vegas starter Junior Herndon.

Ex-Toronto Blue Jay Tom Davey blanked the Stars for six innings, allowing just three hits while striking out seven, before giving way to reliever Todd Williams in the seventh. Williams promptly loaded the bases with one out with walks to Joe Vitiello and Shane Monahan and a bloop single by designated hitter John Curl. But Greg LaRocca grounded into a double play to end the comeback attempt.

* STARS NOTES: Las Vegas flew to Salt Lake City this morning and open a four-game series with the Salt Lake Buzz today at 5:15 p.m. ... The San Diego Union-Tribune reported Wednesday that Stan Spencer, who leads the PCL with a 1.27 ERA and 4-0 record, will likely be promoted to start for the Padres on Saturday against the Arizona Diamondbacks. ... Lesher's home run snapped a 19-inning scoreless inning streak by Herndon.