Roger Clemens to start again

Updated: August 31, 2012, 12:45 PM ET
ESPN.com news services

Roger Clemens is planning to make a second start for the Sugar Land (Texas) Skeeters of the independent Atlantic League, Fox 26 in Houston reported Wednesday night.

In a text message to the television station, Clemens wrote that he will start for Sugar Land on Sept. 7, against the Long Island Ducks. Among the former major league players on the Ducks are Timo Perez and Armando Benitez.

Pitching for the first time in five years, the 50-year-old Clemens tossed 3 1-3 scoreless innings Saturday night for the Skeeters.

He faced the Bridgeport Bluefish and struck out two, including former major leaguer Joey Gathright to start the game. Clemens allowed one hit without a walk and threw 37 pitches.

"I probably overextended myself a little bit," Clemens said after the game. "I wanted to see where I was at. Anytime you do these, they're fun but you don't want to go out and embarrass yourself or embarrass the club."

Scouts from the Houston Astros and Kansas City Royals were on hand to see Clemens' comeback -- for however long it lasts and wherever it leads.

"I think it will fuel that speculation," Royals pro scout Ron Toenjes said after watching the performance. "I just don't know what will happen. I don't think anyone does."

Clemens received a standing ovation when he left the game. He stopped to tip his cap to the overflow crowd of 7,724 before heading into the dugout.

The Skeeters already have sold out of Clemens jersey T-shirts, according to ESPN.com's Darren Rovell. They are available on the team's website but backordered.

Information from ESPN sports business reporter Darren Rovell and The Associated Press was used in this report.

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