Clemens Hurls Game of the Year

Warning Track Power boasts one of the best top of the rotation pitchers of ATB XI. With Pedro Martinez (4-0, 0.86 ERA) as the staff ace, #2 starter Roger Clemens often gets overlooked. No more.

On April 21 against the Otherton Fish Biscuits, Clemens tossed, at least according to Bill James, the game of the year. With a Game Score of 93 the strong right-hander narrowly edged out Wedge Tornado's Bob Feller for most GS points on the season.

Clemens line: 9 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 10 K, 122 pitches; he faced 3 batters over the minimum. The lone hit came against Clemens in the 5th off the bat of Jeff Kent who lined a single into left field. He wasn't on the bases long however, as Clemens next induced Gary Carter into a 6-3 double play line out.

The game ended 1-0 but the Fish Biscuits didn't go quietly. Almost at 100 pitch mark heading into the last frame, the Power elected to stick with 34-year old to try and close out the game. Clemens easily retired the first two batters, but lost pinch hitting Lou Whitaker to a six pitch walk. Tiring, Clemens then walked Ricky Henderson on 8 pitches putting runners on 1st and 2nd with 2-outs.

Many managers would have called upon closer Mariano Rivera in this spot; he was rested and ready in the pen, but the Power elected to let Clemens finish what he started. Jim Thome is struggling this year, batting .169 with no power and striking out 18 times in 20 games, but he got his bat on the ball this night. He grounded a hot shot toward second basemen Red Schoendeist who booted it and the bases were loaded.

Rivera still remained in the pen and Clemens was set to face Mike Griffen. The back up center fielder dribbled a 1-0 offering down the first base line and was retired easily. Clemens closed out the game and finished with a season high 93 Game Score.

For a peak at the best game scores of the season, check out the Great Individual Feats file.