KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- Manager Jimy Williams' announcement that Andy Pettitte will pitch the second regular-season game followed by Roger Clemens to pitch game three generated a resurge of interest among fans in Houston.
Williams revealed the Astros' rotation on Sunday morning at Osceola County Stadium, announcing that Roy Oswalt will start Opening Day, followed by Pettitte, Clemens, Wade Miller and Tim Redding.
According to Vice President of Ticket Operations John Sorrentino, the club experienced a boost in ticket sales for games two and three against the San Francisco Giants but tickets are still available for both contests.
"We're not sold out, but there was a definite spike in interest," Sorrentino said, adding that they sold more tickets for the April 7 game that Clemens is scheduled to pitch than Pettitte's debut start, scheduled for April 6.
Despite the enormous amount of hype Clemens and Pettitte have generated in Houston, Williams gave Oswalt the Opening Day nod as a reward for his resiliency during his battle with three reoccurring groin strains in 2003. Oswalt ended the season winning his final four starts while posting a 2.00 ERA.
Pettitte, the only left-hander in the rotation, was inserted as No. 2 in order to "break up the two righties," according to Williams.
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Williams revealed the Astros' rotation on Sunday morning at Osceola County Stadium, announcing that Roy Oswalt will start Opening Day, followed by Pettitte, Clemens, Wade Miller and Tim Redding.
According to Vice President of Ticket Operations John Sorrentino, the club experienced a boost in ticket sales for games two and three against the San Francisco Giants but tickets are still available for both contests.
"We're not sold out, but there was a definite spike in interest," Sorrentino said, adding that they sold more tickets for the April 7 game that Clemens is scheduled to pitch than Pettitte's debut start, scheduled for April 6.
Despite the enormous amount of hype Clemens and Pettitte have generated in Houston, Williams gave Oswalt the Opening Day nod as a reward for his resiliency during his battle with three reoccurring groin strains in 2003. Oswalt ended the season winning his final four starts while posting a 2.00 ERA.
Pettitte, the only left-hander in the rotation, was inserted as No. 2 in order to "break up the two righties," according to Williams.
http://mlb.mlb.com
