CHICAGO (AP) -- Roger Clemens was breezing and then suddenly he was out of the game, forced to leave after five brilliant innings because of a groin injury.
Without the Rocket, the Houston Astros couldn't hold on, crumbling when closer Brad Lidge couldn't find the plate as the Chicago Cubs rallied with four runs in the eighth for a 4-2 victory Tuesday night.
``It's more than a mild strain, but I know my body and I didn't tear it,'' Clemens said. ``I'm OK. It's iced down and numb and we'll start treating it tomorrow.''
Clemens had retired 10 straight batters before walking Enrique Wilson with two outs in the fifth.
Manager Phil Garner and a trainer then ran to the mound to talk with Clemens, who stayed in the game and got the final out of the inning. ``I think he'll be OK for his next start,'' Garner said after his team's seventh straight loss dropped the Astros to 2-21 on the road this season.
Without the Rocket, the Houston Astros couldn't hold on, crumbling when closer Brad Lidge couldn't find the plate as the Chicago Cubs rallied with four runs in the eighth for a 4-2 victory Tuesday night.
``It's more than a mild strain, but I know my body and I didn't tear it,'' Clemens said. ``I'm OK. It's iced down and numb and we'll start treating it tomorrow.''
Clemens had retired 10 straight batters before walking Enrique Wilson with two outs in the fifth.
Manager Phil Garner and a trainer then ran to the mound to talk with Clemens, who stayed in the game and got the final out of the inning. ``I think he'll be OK for his next start,'' Garner said after his team's seventh straight loss dropped the Astros to 2-21 on the road this season.