Facing Florida once again, Roger Clemens smothered the Marlins with the type of performance the New York Yankees wished they had seen in the World Series.
Clemens became the first seven-game winner in the major leagues this year, striking out a season-high 11 in leading the Houston Astros over the World Series champions 6-1 Tuesday night.
When he last faced the Marlins in Game 4 of the World Series, Clemens got a no-decision in what he said would be the finale of his major league career. The 41-year-old right-hander then changed his mind and signed with his hometown Astros.
He hopes to face the Marlins again in the postseason.
''October has a nice ring to it,'' Clemens said. ''I hope to have revenge on someone this October.''
Clemens (7-0) allowed only three hits, including a solo homer to Ramon Castro, over seven innings for his 317th victory.
''He's been pitching lights out,'' Houston's Craig Biggio said. ''It's fun just sitting out in center field and watch him set up hitters the way he does.''
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