Cy Seven

The Rocket won an unprecendented seventh Cy Young Award on 11/9. Clemens was the clear winner in the balloting, receiving 23 of 32 first place votes and outdistancing Randy Johnson by a margin of 140-97.

The win capped another remarkable year for The Rocket. He finished tied for second in the National League in wins, tied for fifth in ERA, fifth in strikeouts and first in winning percentage. At age 42 Clemens had his highest win total since 2001 and his best ERA and strikeout total since 1998.

The Rocket became the oldest winner of the Cy Young award and just the fourth player to win the award in both leagues.

The Rocket pitched very well but came up a little short and lost to the Cardinals in game 7 of the NLCS on 10/21.

Clemens had a terrific fastball all night and kept the Cardinals vaunted offense at bay over the first five innings, holding them to one run on three hits while clining to a 2-1 lead. In the sixth he was an out away of getting out of the inning when Albert Pujols singled home the tying run and Scott Rolen followed with a two run homer on the next pitch.

The Rocket struck out Jim Edmonds to close out the inning. Depending on his plans for next year, that could prove to have been the final batter Roger Clemens faced in his remarkable career.

Clemens final line was four runs on six hits over six innings with no walks and two strikeouts.

The Rocket came through in a must win game for the Astros and pitched a fantastic game to defeat the Cardinal on 10/16.

Clemens gave up a solo home run in each of the first two innings but settled into a groove after that against the NL's top offense, retiring 12 of the last 14 batters he faced and striking out 7 of the last 13.

The Rocket and the Astros led 3-2 after the second inning and Clemens held onto that lead before departing after seven innings. He struck out Roger Cedeno on a splitter to end his evening.

Clemens will possibly pitch in game 6 of the NLCS, although if the Astros don't win either game 4 or 5 this will have been his last start of the year, and quite possibly of his career.

The Rocket's final line was two runs on four hits over seven innings with two walks and seven strikeouts.

The Rocket pitched five tough innings to put his team in position to win their first ever playoff series but the bullpen couldn't hold the lead and he ended up with a no-decision against the Braves on 10/10.

Pitching on three days rest, Clemens was clearly without his best stuff but battled his way through five innings, leaving with a 5-2 lead. He also drove in a run in the second with a two-out sacrifice fly that started a five run rally.

In the sixth the Astros bullpen could only record a single out before giving up a three run homer to remove Clemens from the decision in a game they would lose 6-5.

The Rocket's final line was two runs on six hits over five innings with two walks and five strikeouts.

The Rocket gutted his way to an oustanding victory over the Braves in Game 1 of the ALDS.

Clemens labored throughout much of the start, clearly feeling the effects of the stomach flu he had over the weekend and the eight day layoff since his last start. He faced a bases loaded, one-out situation in the first, a second and third, one-out situation in the second, and another bases loaded situation in the third. Through four innings he'd allowed ten baserunners and a career postseason-high six walks. Remarkably, he gave up just one uneared run over that period.

The Rocket's final line was three runs (two earned) on six hits over seven innings with six walks and seven strikeouts. The Astros had a tremendous offensive day, winning the game 9-3.

This was Clemens' first win in a game one of a postseason series in seven tries.

ESPN.com's Jayson Stark has a terrific article on the Rocket's performance.

The Rocket was a late scratch from Sunday's game after coming down with a stomach virus that had him up most of the night and receiving IV fluids Sunday morning.

Clemens was to have started the season finale on three days rest. With a win the Astros will clinch the NL Wild Card and Clemens will be in line to start game one of the ALDS against the Braves.

The Rocket pitched very well but made one mistake that cost him a win as he ended up with a no-decision against the Cardinals on 9/29. Clemens pitched extremely well, retiring the first ten hitters he faced. He gave up two runs in the second on a fluke play following a double when the throw to the plate hit the runner, causing the ball to roll away and the runner from second came around to score.

Clemens led 4-2 going into the sixth when with two outs and an 0-2 count he was squeezed on both sides of the plate by the homeplate umpire before giving up a hit to Cedeno. Rolen hit the next pitch for a two run homer, removing the Rocket from the decision.

Clemens was lifted after the sixth inning and just 95 pitches. If the Astros remain in playoff contention he is expected to start the final game of the season on Sunday on three days rest.

The Rocket's final line was four runs on five hits over six innings with one walk and eight strikeouts.

The Rocket pitched another phenomenal game but as has been the case all too often this season received no support from his teammates and ended up with a no-decision against the Brewers on 9/24. Clemens dominated the Brewers for the second time in as many starts, running his scoreless streak to 21.1 innings while striking out a season high 12.

Unfortunately the Astros offense was unable to score until the 10th inning, preventing Clemens from getting a victory that would all but have assured him of a seventh Cy Young award.

Clemens' final line was no runs on five hits over seven and a third innings with three walks and twelve strikeouts.

The Rocket pitched probably the best game of his brilliant season and picked up his 18th win of the year with a 1-0 victory over the Brewers on 9/19. Clemens was masterful, shutting out Milwaukee over a season high eight innings while striking out ten.

The Rocket was not only masterful on the mound he also had a good night at the plate, bringing in the only run of the game when he grounded into a double play and hitting the third double of his career.

Clemens' final line was no runs on two hits over eight innings with two walks and ten strikeouts.

The victory was the 328th of the Rocket's career, moving him into a tie with John Clarkson for tenth place on the all-time list. This was also the 107th double digit strikeout performance of Clemens' career.

The Rocket shut down baseball's best team and picked up a win over the Cardinals on 9/14. Clemens gave up just a run in the first and got some excellent run support as he cruised through the next six innings, holding the Cardinals scoreless.

The Rocket's final line was one run on five hits over seven innings with two walks and five strikeouts.

The win was the 327th of the Rocket's career, putting him into sole posession of 11th place on the all-time list.

The Rocket pitched another fantastic game and defeated the Reds on 9/8. Clemens was staked to a 5-1 lead after the first inning and cruised with it, allowing just five baserunners while holding the Reds scoreless over the next six innings. After giving up six runs in the seventh inning of his last start the Rocket made a point of punctuating this start by striking out the side in the seventh.

The win was the 12th straight for the Astros, tying a franchise record. It also moved the Astros half a game ahead of the Cubs for the wildcard lead.

The Rocket's final line was one run on four hits over seven innings with six strikeouts and two walks. This was the 16th game of the year in which he gave up one earned run or less.

The win moved Clemens into a tie with Eddie Plank for 11th place on the all-time list with 326.

The Rocket pitched six brilliant innings before stumbling in the seventh but picked up a win over the Pirates on 9/3. Clemens cruised through six shutout innings, giving up just two hits. However with two outs and a man on first he gave up four hits (one a swinging bunt) and a walk to allow four runs. The bullpen gave up a triple allowing two more runs but was able to get out of the inning with a 7-6 lead intact.

The Rocket's final line was six runs on six hits over six and two thirds innings with five strikeouts and two walks.

The win was the 325th of Clemens' career, moving him past Nolan Ryan and Don Sutton into sole posession of 12th place on the all-time list.

The Rocket went to 14-4 on the year with a win over the Cubs on 8/28. Clemens did not have his best outing, but was staked to an early 5-0 lead by his teammates and got some good support from his bullpen.

The Rocket's final line was five runs on eight hits over six innings with five strikeouts and one walk.

The win was the 324th of Clemens' career, moving him into a tie for 12th place on the all-time list with Hall of Famers Nolan Ryan and Don Sutton.

The Rocket finally picked up win number 13 on the year with a gutsy effort that earned him a win over the Phillies on 8/23. Clemens labored throughout the night with the strained right calf that forced him out of his previous start. He struggled early, giving up two runs in the first and a leadoff double in the second. However the Rocket settled down after that, retiring 13 of the next 14 batters and holding the Phillies scoreless for the next six innings.

Twice in the sixth it appeared the Clemens' calf might force him out of the game after sprinting to first to cover the bag. With two outs and runners at the corners the Rocket fielded a grounder and had to make a put out on his own to prevent a run from scoring. In a foot race to the bag, the 42 year old Clemens beat the runner to the line and tagged him with such force that it knocked him to the ground.

As Clemens limped to the dugout it appeared likely that would be his last inning but he returned to pitch a 1-2-3 seventh, giving the bullpen another inning of much needed rest.

The Rocket's final line was two runs on five hits over seven innings with two walk and eight strikeouts.

The Rocket had to leave his start early after straining a calf muscle and ended up with a no-decision against the Phillies on 8/18. Clemens struggled after the injury started bothering him in the second, giving up three runs on four hits in the third inning.

However the Rocket got his team the lead when he delivered a two-run, bases loaded single in the top of the fourth. After limping down the line he was removed from the game.

The Rocket's final line was four runs on five hits over three innings with two walks and three strikeouts.

After going 1-2 at the plate Clemens raised his average to .196 and collected his five and sixth RBIs of the year. He is now 5-11 at the plate in his last six games.

The Rocket struggled early but settled down and actually got a little help from his teammates to end up with a no-decision against the Expos on 8/13. Clemens gave up four runs in the first two innings, including a two-run homer to the opposing pitcher. He help the Expos scoreless over the next four frames but looked to be in line for a loss until the Astros rallied with three runs to tie the game in the ninth.

The Rocket's final line was four runs on six hits over six innings with four walks and four strikeouts.

The Rocket pitched a terrific game but was yet again shamefully let down by his teammates in a loss to the Expos on 8/8. Clemens pitched seven strong innings giving up just one earned run and going 2-2 at the plate.

The Astros however turned in what can only be described as one of the most inept performances in the history of professional athletics. Facing four different pitchers out of the Expos' bullpen, the Astros could only manage two runs on seven hits (two of which were Clemens'). An error in the seventh led to two unearned runs charged to the Rocket. Said catcher Brad Ausmus after the game, "We couldn't beat a little league team right now."

The Rocket's final line was three runs (one earned) on eight hits over seven innings with five stirkeouts and one walk.

The Rocket pitched another gem but ended up with a no-decision against the Braves on 8/3. Clemens was locked in a good pitchers duel with Russ Ortiz all night. After the Astros scored one run in each of the sixth and seventh innings to move ahead 2-1 he appeared to be in line for a victory. Clemens started the eighth but was lifted after giving up two walks. One of the runners scored, taking the Rocket out of the decision.

The Rocket's final line was two runs (one earned) on four hits with six strikeouts and three walks.

The Rocket pitched a terrific game and picked up win number 12 against the Diamondbacks on 7/28. Clemens gave up just one run on five hits over seven innings with three walks and eight strikeouts.

The Rocket had a rough start and ended up with a no-decision against the Brewers on 7/23. Clemens gave up a run in the first and then held the Brewers at bay until the sixth when he gave up four more runs and was lifted. His final line was five runs on eight hits over five and two-thirds innings with seven strikeouts and one walk.

At the plate Clemens went one for two.

The Rocket improved to 11-3 with a win over the Pades on 7/19. Clemens was dominant, retiring 16 straight Padres hitters at one point. His final line was two runs on four hits over seven innings with five strikeout and one walk.

The Rocket had a terrible outing in the All-Star game, giving up six runs (three earned) on five hits in his one inning of work. The American League lineup batted around in the first inning, hitting for the cycle as a group for the first time in All-Star game history.

During the game Clemens was presented with the Commissioner's Historic Achievement Award. He is the first pitcher to receive the award.

The Rocket was named the starter for the National League in the 75th All-Star Game. This will be Clemens' tenth All-Star appearance.

The Rocket will be presented with the Commissioner's Historic Achievement Award by Bud Selig when he leaves the game.

The Rocket dropped to 10-3 on the year with a loss to the Dodgers on 7/10. Clemens pitched a solid game but again received pitiful support from his teammates. He was locked in a scoreless game in the bottom of the sixth when he gave up a leadoff double. His defense then allowed a popup to drop in shallow right field for a double, putting runners at second and third with no outs. Clemens then gave up a three-run homer.

The Astros loaded the bases with nobody out in the next inning, but were only able to score a single run.

The Rocket's final line was three runs on four hits over seven innings with eight strikeouts and two walks.

The Rocket pitched a fantastic game but again received paltry run support and ended up with a no-decision against the Padres on 7/5 . Clemens gave up just one run on three hits over seven innings while walking four and striking out six.

The Rocket pitched another tremendous game but his bullpen blew the save and he ended up with a no-decision against the Cubs on 6/30. Clemens gave up one run on five hits over seven innings with five walks and six strikeouts.

He left the game with a 2-1 lead but Miceli promptly gave up a homer in the eighth to blow the save.

The Rocket snapped his two game losing streak with a good start and a win over the Pirates on 6/24. Clemens gave up two runs (one earned) on four hits over seven innings. He struck out four and walked two.

Clemens again received little run support and looked to be in line for a no-decision when he was lifted in the bottom of the seventh for a pinch hitter with the score tied 2-2. Fortunately a two out base hit pushed the Astros ahead 3-2 and gave Clemens the win.

The Rocket's four Ks gave him an even 4200 for his career.

The Rocket had his second consecutive poor start and lost to the Angels on 6/19. Clemens had his shortest start of the year, lasting just four and two thirds innings. He gave up five runs on nine hits while striking out three and walking two.

The Rocket lost his first National League game after falling to the Cubs on 6/14. Clemens gave up five runs on a season high ten hits. He struck out six and walked one.

The Rocket moved to 9-0 with a win over the Mariners on 6/8. Clemens again received pitiful run support from his teammates but held the Mariners offense scoreless despite issuing a season high five walks. His final line was no runs on three hits over six and two thirds innings with seven strikeouts and five walks.

The win moved Clemens past Phil Niekro into sole possession of 14th place on the all time list with 319. He also became the oldest starter to begin a season 9-0.

The Rocket improved to 8-0 with another brilliant start and a win over the Cubs on 6/2. Locked in another close pitcher's duel, Clemens gave up just one run on five hits over seven innings. He walked two and struck out five.

The win was the 318th of The Rocket's career, tying him with Phil Niekro for 14th place on the all-time list. This was his first win at Wrigley Field.

The Rocket pitched a terrific game but ended up with a no-decision against the Cardinals on 5/28. Clemens gave up just one run over seven innings but was in line to lose a 1-0 pitchers duel before the Astros rallied for a run in the ninth to take him off the hook for the loss.

The Rocket's final line was one run on six hits over seven innings with six strikeouts and three walks.

The Rocket had his first bad start of the year but his offense took him off the hook and he ended up with a no-decision against the Reds on 5/22.

The Rocket lasted just five innings and gave up six runs on nine hits. He walkd four and struck out eight.

The Rocket pitched another phenomenal game but his bullpen let him down as they blew the save and he ended up with a no-decision against the Mets on 5/16. Clemens was dominant, giving up just two hits over seven shutout innings while striking out ten and walking one.

The Rocket left the game after seven innings leading 2-0. The Astros were a strike away from securing the victory for him before Piazza hit a 1-2 pitch out for a two run homer in the ninth.

Clemens went 1-2 at the plate, driving in his fourth run of the year.

The magical start to the Rocket's first season with the Astros continued as he moved to 7-0 with dominant win over the Marlins on 5/11. Clemens struck out a season high 11 while giving up just one run over seven innings.

The Rocket was locked in an outstanding pitcher's duel with Brad Penny and was trailing 1-0 after he completed his seventh inning. However his teammates rallied for two runs in the bottom of the seventh and then broke the game open in the eighth with four more runs to secure the win for the Rocket.

The Rocket's final line was one run on three hits over seven innings with 11 strikeouts and one walk.

The Rocket moved into second place on the all time strikeout list with a nine strikeout performance in his win over the Pirates on 5/5. Clemens struck out Raul Mondesi to pass Steve Carlton with 4137 career strikeouts.

The Rocket's final line was two runs on five hits over six innings with three walks and nine strikeouts.

The Rocket became the first pitcher in Astros history to win five games in April with a win over the Reds on 4/30. Clemens struggled with the home plate umpire's stingy strike zone in the first, walking four in the inning on 33 pitches. He was dominant throughout the night however, giving up just one run in a very close game. The Rocket's final line was one run on five hits while striking out six and walking four.

The win gave Clemens 315 for his career, moving him past Gaylord Perry into 15th place on the all-time list.

The Rocket now has 4131 strikeouts for his career, needing just six more to pass Steve Carlton for 2nd place in major league history.

The Rocket struggled a bit for the first time this year but improved to 4-0 with a win over the Rockies on 4/24. Pitching in Coors field Clemens gave up five runs (four earned) on three home runs. He pitched five and two thirds innings, giving up nine hits and three walks while striking out seven.

At the plate The Rocket went one for two with a walk and two RBIs. He is now batting .333 on the year.

The Rocket picked up his third win in as many starts with a win over the Brewers on 4/18. Clemens was dominant again, opening the game with three perfect frames. He ended up giving up one run on four hits over seven innings with one walk and seven strikeouts.

At the plate The Rocket went one for three with an RBI.

The Rocket improved to 2-0 on the year with another strong start, defeating the Cardinals on 4/13. Clemens gave up one run on just two hits. He struck out three and walked three.

The win was The Rocket's 312th of his career, moving him past Tom Seaver into 16th place on the all-time list.

The Rocket was brilliant in his National League debut, defeating the Giants on 4/7. Clemens gave up just one hit over seven shutout innings while striking out nine.

The Rocket retired the last 13 batters he faced and during one stretch struck out seven of ten. Clemens intentionally walked Barry Bonds in the first, then struck him out in his next two plate appearances.

Clemens' final line was no runs on one hit over seven innings with nine Ks and three walks. He went one for two at the plate.

The Rocket makes his Astros and National League debut against the Giants on April 7th. The game is scheduled to be broadcast on ESPN2.