Clemens’ Streak Is Still Alive

Roger Clemens gave the New York Yankees confidence. Mariano Rivera gave them worries.

Clemens, on another of the dominating streaks that have marked his career, won his ninth consecutive decision, pitching shutout ball into the eighth inning to lead the New York Yankees over the Toronto Blue Jays, 3-2, Wednesday night.

Rivera, though, had a shaky eighth and a shaky ninth before holding on.

“It doesn’t bother me at all,” Rivera said. “I feel strong. I feel healthy. I am healthy. That’s the bottom line. There are going to be games like this. You just battle, and like today, come out ahead.”

Clemens (13-6) left after Jose Cruz Jr. doubled leading off the eighth, Mickey Morandini singled Cruz home and Shannon Stewart singled.

Jeff Nelson struck out Alex Gonzalez and in came Rivera, who loaded the bases on Dave Martinez’s bloop single. He then retired Carlos Delgado on a foul popup and Brad Fullmer on a soft liner to second, both on fastballs.

Rivera allowed Tony Batista’s leadoff double off the glove of third baseman Scott Brosius in the ninth, then struck out Darrin Fletcher and Cruz before walking Morandini and allowing an RBI single to Stewart.

Gonzalez hit a game-ending flyout with runners on first and third.

Clemens, given a standing ovation when he came out of the game, has given up only two earned runs in his last 30 innings, didn’t allow a runner past first until the seventh and lowered his ERA to 3.30, second in the AL behind Boston’s Pedro Martinez (1.74).

Clemens, 9-0 in 16 starts since a June 9 loss to the New York Mets, gave up one run and eight hits in seven-plus innings with five strikeouts and one walk.