Rocket Goes Five in Debut [J. Mark English]

HOUSTON (AP) -- Roger Clemens was upstaged by a rookie almost half his age.

Francisco Liriano, Minnesota's 22-year-old phenom, pitched seven scoreless innings to lead the Twins to a 4-2 win over the Houston Astros on Thursday night in Clemens' much-anticipated debut.

Beginning his 23rd major league season, Clemens (0-1) was looking for his 342nd win. But instead it was Liriano, only 7 months old when Clemens started his big league career, that earned his eighth victory.

The 43-year-old Clemens, a seven-time Cy Young Award winner, left after throwing 100 pitches in five innings. It was his first major league start since leaving Game 1 of the World Series exactly eight months ago with a strained hamstring. He allowed six hits and two runs while striking out four and walking two.

"It was positive," Clemens said. "My body felt better than expected and I hope and expect to get stronger each time I get out there."