Clemens happy with first start, but yearns to get better

CHICAGO -- Astros pitcher Paul Clemens, who wasn't too eager to speak with reporters at length following his first Major League start Tuesday, opened up a little bit more pregame on Wednesday. Clemens went six innings and held the White Sox to one run and four hits en route to a no-decision.

"Any time you give your team a chance to win, you're happy," Clemens said. "I'm a long way from where I want to be as far as a starting pitcher in this game. I gave my team a chance, but there were a lot of things I have got to do better throughout this ballgame."

Clemens pitched in 30 games in the bullpen earlier this year and didn't fare so well, posting a 6.36 ERA before being sent down to Triple-A Oklahoma City. He worked on improving his fastball command and will remain in the rotation the rest of the year as the Astros get a good look at what he can do as a starter.

"Any time you get an opportunity in the Major Leagues, it's an honor and privilege and you have to make the most of it no matter who you are or what your role is -- bullpen, starter, position players," Clemens said.