Roger Clemens struck out 10 for the 109th time in his storied career, earning his 331st win and
leading the Astros to a 4-1 victory over the Giants at Minute Maid Park.
New third hole hitter
Craig Biggio made the move in the batting order work by
slamming his 6th homer of the season, scoring
Orlando Palmeiro to break a 1-1 tie in the 6th inning.
Lance Berkman followed with a
solo shot , his first of the season, to complete the scoring.
The Giants, winners of the first two games of this series, drew first blood by scoring a run in the 3rd, but the Astros tied it in the 5th on a single by
Brad Ausmus , scoring
Adam Everett after he had doubled.
Clemens (3-1) gave up one run and five hits in eight innings, his longest outing of the season. He walked none and has allowed just seven runs in eight starts this season for a 1.11 ERA.
Brad Lidge mowed down the side in the 9th, striking out two for his seventh save in eight chances.
The Astros hope to even the series tomorrow, sending
Brandon Backe to the mound against lefty Jeff Fassero. Game time at 7:05 on ESPN.
