Pirates 7 Astros 0

Wow, there's so much good to say about tonight's game I'm not sure where to start. I'm gonna go with Ian Snell. After 3 uninspired starts this year he took the ball against the most intimidating pitcher in baseball today, the Rocket himself, Roger Clemens. Nevermind the fact that Snell came into the night with 0 career wins (to the Rocket's 340), Snell as a young power pitcher probably grew up dreaming of being Roger Clemens. Tonight he went out and beat him. He dominated the Astros over 8 shutout innings, allowing only three hits while striking out five. I would say it was the same old story for Clemens tonight, no runs to backup a good outing, except that Clemens didn't have a good outing. Freddy Sanchez racked up three extra-base hits (all off Clemens) including his third homer of the year. Jack Wilson chipped in three more hits (again, all off Clemens) as we rolled up 6 runs (4 earned) off of Rocket Roger in 5 and 2/3rds of an inning. If there was any steam left in the "Clemens for Cy Young" campaign I think we derailed it tonight (and man does it feel good). At the moment I can't think of anything that would make me happier than taking three out of four from the 'Stros this week.

On the other hand, despite our recent hot streak (especially with our bats) the wire report (via ESPN.com) couldn't resist taking a pot-shot at us.

Not many, if any, of Clemens' 172 career losses have come against a lineup that appeared to be less intimidating. The Pirates started four rookies and two second-year players against one of baseball's premier pitchers ever, yet had Clemens out of the game in the sixth.

Come on, how necessary was that?