Clemens Wins 15th but Leaves Early

Roger Clemens’ major league-leading 15th victory came with a price.

Clemens, who left in the sixth inning because of cramps on the right side of his groin, won his 11th consecutive decision, leading the New York Yankees to their seventh victory in a row, 12-1 over the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday.

“I know it’s not as severe as I’ve done it in the past, so I don’t expect it to linger,” Clemens said.

Clemens (15-1) gave up one hit and no runs in 5 2/3 innings before calling for the trainer.

Ramiro Mendoza and Mark Wohlers finished the two-hitter as the Yankees moved a season-high 3 1/2 games ahead of Boston in the American League East.

Clemens, who will turn 39 Saturday, is 24-3 since returning from a groin injury last July.

The hard-throwing right-hander struck out eight and walked three. He is the first Yankee pitcher to win 11 consecutive decisions since Jimmy Key in 1994.