Jeff Bagwell, Carlos Beltran, Craig Biggio and Jose Vizcaino homered and the Rocket won his 325th career win as the Stros beat the Pirates in the first game of their weekend series at the Juice Box, 8-6.
The Stros are in the midst of a major winning trend. They have now won seven straight, 15 of their last 18 games, and 10 of their last 11. They have closed to within 2Ω games of the Hurricane Frances-idled Cubs, who are the leader in the race for the NL wild-card playoff spot.
Clemens (15-4) won his third straight start, and moved into sole possession of 12th place on the career wins list. He took a 7-0 lead into the seventh inning but tired and wound up allowing four runs and six hits in 6 2/3 innings. The Rocket even added an run-scoring single in the sixth for his seventh RBI of the season. Dan Wheeler pitched a perfect eighth and Brad Lidge worked the ninth for his 19th save in 22 chances.
By the way, General Richard Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, threw out the ceremonial first pitch as part of the Astros’ Military Appreciation Night. Turns out that General Myers is a former high school classmate Alan Hendricks, who represents Clemens along with his brother, Randy.
Carlos Hernandez takes the pill in Saturday night’s game against the Pirates Josh Fogg as the Stros attempt to pull within two games of the still idle Cubs.