[Tommy]

Miami, FL (Sports Network) - Roger Clemens threw seven shutout innings and Orlando Palmeiro drove in both runs, as the Houston Astros earned a rare road win with a 2-1 victory over the Florida Marlins in the opener of a three-game series at Dolphins Stadium.

Clemens (2-1) allowed just four hits and struck out six with three walks. The future Hall-of-Famer picked up his 330th career win, moving past Steve Carlton for ninth place on the all-time list. The righthander won for the first time since April 8. He had recorded four no-decisions and a loss in his previous five starts with little run support.

"He's (Carlton) one of the best lefthanders ever," Clemens said. "It's an honor to have my name alongside his."

Clemens made his first appearance in Miami since 2003 when he started Game 4 of the World Series for the Yankees.

"Obviously, over time, if you can make adjustments and stay healthy -- everything that you talk about -- you can win a lot of games," Clemens said. "But it's hard to really kick back and enjoy this thing right now because you're in the middle of something you're working to achieve. We don't feel that well as a group right now. We need to make some big strides."

Brad Lidge threw a scoreless ninth for his sixth save, as the Astros won on the road for just the second time in 16 games this season.

Florida starter A.J. Burnett (3-3) also pitched well, but was the tough-luck loser. Burnett struck out nine in seven innings, but allowed both Houston runs on six hits.

Miguel Cabrera drove in the lone run for the Marlins, who have lost three of their last five games.

The Astros opened the scoring in the top of the second on an RBI single by Palmeiro. Morgan Ensberg, who walked leading off the frame, stole second and was at third after a wild pitch by Burnett before scoring to give Houston a 1-0 lead.

Jose Vizcaino tripled with one out in the seventh and scored on a sacrifice fly by Palmeiro to give the Astros a 2-0 advantage.

Chad Qualls took over for Clemens in the bottom of the eighth and quickly got into trouble by walking Damion Easley to start the frame. Easley moved to second on a passed ball by Brad Ausmus and was on third after Carlos Delgado grounded out. Cabrera's sacrifice fly cut the Astros' lead to 2-1.

05/10 01:50:10 ET


powered by www.sportsnetwork.com.

[johnskelington]

Boy am I glad my beloved Red Sox had the foresight to dump his old ass like 130 or so wins ago. He's sure to start going down hill any year now. Fuck You Dan Douquet!

[naught33]

yeah clemens is a freak of nature, just keep his body in excellent shape and its amazing how dominant he is atr this age....these kind of pitchers only come so often....nolan ryan and RJ are the only other two that come to mind