Roger Clemens was back on the mound at age 50, striking out hitters again. Pitching for the first time in five years, Clemens tossed 3 1/3 scoreless innings last night for the Sugar Land Skeeters of the independent Atlantic League. Clemens faced the Bridgeport Bluefish and struck out two, including former major leaguer Joey Gathright, to start the game. He allowed one hit without a walk and threw 37 pitches.
Despite his success, Clemens hasn't committed to more than one game for the Skeeters and said the outing didn't make him contemplate a return to the majors. "No, it doesn't," Clemens said. "I've had success before at that level and other things. Again, it's a great deal of work and I'm not thinking that at this point." Scouts from the Houston Astros and Kansas City Royals were on hand to watch Clemens' comeback—for however long it lasts and wherever it leads. (More Roger Clemens stories.)