The Astros could manage a mere two hits through eight innings, finally avoiding the shutout in the ninth as they lose the second game of the series in south Florida 3-1.
Roger Clemens toiled through five innings, throwing over 100 pitches, including more than 50 in the first two innings. He allowed a two-run homer in the second that cost him, and the Astros, the game. Same story for Rajah, absolutely no run support.
"I'm not here to be just OK," said Clemens, "I should have matched that kid zeros for zeros. ... For me, it's just not acceptable."
The Astros finally got on the board in the ninth with a double by
Chris Burke and a run-scoring single by National League RBI leader
Lance Berkman. Dave Borkowski, Wandy Rodriguez, and
Fernando Nieve mopped up the final three innings. Wandy allowed the third and final Marlin run.
Andy Pettitte faces another young Marlin righthander, Josh Johnson at 5:05 for game 3.
