Clemens Outpitches Maddux in Victory

Roger Clemens draws attention everywhere he goes, but Thursday night featured more history than usual -- a rare matchup of 300-game winners with Greg Maddux providing the opposition.

“I hope the fans enjoyed it. It’s pretty special,” Clemens said after outpitching Maddux in the Houston Astros’ 4-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs.

“I think it’s why we do it. So that the fans, especially in this stadium that is so rich in history, can come out and enjoy it.”

Clemens (2-3) threw six shutout innings to earn his 343rd victory and move into sole possession of eighth place on the career list. He struck out five.

“I know when I’m going up against Greg it’s going to be a battle of wills,” Clemens said. “That’s for sure on a hot sticky night like it was tonight. It was going to come down to who made the mistake first.”

Maddux did, surrendering a leadoff homer to Craig Biggio.

Maddux (7-11) gave up seven hits and three runs in seven innings with no walks and three strikeouts. He lost his sixth straight decision and hasn’t won since June 9. Maddux, who turned 40 in April, threw 102 pitches and remained at 325 wins.

“I love watching Greg work,” Clemens said. “He’s definitely one of the guys I admire in how he goes about his work. I’d definitely pay to see him pitch.”

Clemens, less than a month from his 44th birthday, threw 85 pitches on the 85-degree night.

“That was vintage Roger. He gave us six great innings and that was something we needed,” Houston Manager Phil Garner said.

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ROUNDUP

at Cincinnati 7, New York 4: Jason LaRue’s two-run double in the eighth inning sparked the Reds. The Reds rallied from a 4-0 deficit, tying it on Rich Aurilia’s solo homer in the fifth. The game was interrupted by a two-hour, 23-minute rain delay.

Philadelphia 5, at San Diego 4: Bobby Abreu hit a two-run double in the ninth off Trevor Hoffman and the Phillies avoided a three-game sweep. Hoffman has two blown saves in his last three chances.

at Florida 1, Washington 0: Anibal Sanchez gave up one hit in seven shutout innings and Cody Ross homered for the Marlins. Also, the Nationals learned that right-hander John Patterson will undergo exploratory surgery on his right forearm today and probably won’t pitch again this season.

at Pittsburgh 6, Colorado 5: Joe Randa drove in three runs as the Pirates won their second consecutive series for only the second time this season.

at San Francisco 7, Milwaukee 6: Ray Durham hit a two-run single off closer Derrick Turnbow’s glove in the ninth inning for the win.

Around the league: Chicago Cubs third base coach Chris Speier took a leave of absence from the team after he was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving after he ran a stop sign on a Chicago city street.