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Clemens makes much-anticipated debut vs. Pirates

Jun 9, 2007 - 1:57 PM Pittsburgh (26-35) at NY Yankees (28-31) 1:05 pm EDT

BRONX, New York (Ticker) - Even though he will be noted as the 12th starting pitcher the New York Yankees have sent out, the debut of Roger Clemens means so much more.

New York continues their series with the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday at Yankee Stadium when one of the best pitchers in baseball history takes the mound for the first time this season.

Clemens (NR), who has a record seven Cy Young Awards and 348 career wins, will be making his first start as a Yankee since walking off the mound after pitching seven strong frames against the Marlins in Game Four of the 2003 World Series.

The 11-time All-Star posted a 77-36 record over five seasons with New York from 1999-2003 and garnered two World Series rings in 1999 and 2000.

Clemens will be making his ninth career start against the Pirates, owns a 5-1 record with a 2.92 ERA against them.

Paul Maholm (2-8, 5.35), who is trying to avoid losing his fifth straight decision, will have the unenviable task of matching up with the future Hall of Famer.

Maholm is 0-4 in his last five starts, including Monday's 6-5 loss to the Dodgers, when he surrendered five runs and eight hits over 6 2/3 innings.

The lefthander has never faced the Yankees.