Big Finish for Clemens

Roger Clemens put the finishing touches on what he hopes will be a record fifth Cy Young Award performance.

Clemens ended the season unbeaten in his final 22 starts but didn’t get a decision Saturday as the Blue Jays defeated the Detroit Tigers, 5-4, in 13 innings.

“I wish we were going a little further, but I can let my shoulders down and just kind of reflect,” Clemens said. “Most of all I’m just happy and feel blessed that I still feel strong and I made it through the season.”

Clemens, who won his final 15 decisions after a loss to the Cleveland Indians on May 29, was trying to tie Walter Johnson, Smokey Joe Wood, Lefty Grove and Schoolboy Rowe for the AL record for consecutive winning decisions in a season. The major league record of 19 is shared by Tim Keefe (1888) and Rube Marquard (1912).

Clemens, who finished 20-6 with a 2.65 earned-run average and 271 strikeouts, gave up four runs and seven hits in eight innings, striking out 11 and walking two. His unbeaten streak is the longest since Dave McNally of the Baltimore Orioles went 26 straight starts without a loss in 1969.

Last year, when he won his fourth Cy Young Award, Clemens was 21-7 with a 2.05 ERA and 292 strikeouts, becoming the first AL pitcher to lead in all three categories since Detroit’s Hal Newhouser in 1945. This year, he leads in ERA and strikeouts and is tied with Rick Helling of the Texas Rangers in victories.

“There’s no doubt he’s the favorite for the Cy Young Award,” said the Tigers’ Bobby Higginson.