Clemens moves to No. 2 on all-time strikeout list

The Associated Press

HOUSTON -- Roger Clemens moved into second place on the career strikeouts list behind fellow Houston-area native Nolan Ryan and became the first six-game winner in the majors, leading the Houston Astros over Pittsburgh 6-2 Wednesday night.

Clemens struck out Raul Mondesi swinging in the fifth inning to pass Hall of Fame left-hander Steve Carlton with No. 4,137.

The Rocket finished the night with nine strikeouts to run his career total to 4,140.

The crowd of 35,883 at Minute Maid Park gave Clemens a long standing ovation after he fired the 89 mph split-fingered pitch past Mondesi. Clemens (6-0) briefly acknowledged the cheers by tipping his cap to the fans.

Soon after, Clemens added No. 4,138 by getting Craig Wilson swinging at a similar pitch. He struck out two more batters in the sixth before leaving the game.

Ryan tops the strikeout list with 5,714.