The Associated Press

HOUSTON - Hard to imagine a better homecoming for Roger Clemens.

Looking nothing like a guy who had called it quits, Clemens dominated Barry Bonds and the Giants, holding them to one hit over seven scoreless innings in his Houston debut and pitching the Astros past San Francisco 10-1 Wednesday.

"It sure was nice coming home," Clemens said. "It was just real enjoyable."

Only Ray Durham's clean single to center field in the third inning prevented a most special night at Minute Maid Park from becoming a truly historic one.

Boosted by an emotional talk with former boss George Steinbrenner, Clemens posted his 311th victory and tied Tom Seaver for 16th place on the career list.

"It's nice to get the first one under way," Clemens said. "It's been a long time coming since I first decided to play."

A sellout crowd of 42,863 that included former President Bush and Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan, plus family members and friends in Clemens' suite, began cheering even before the first pitch of his NL debut.

"I was just hoping my energy level would stay at a high level, and it did," Clemens said.

Pitching just 20 minutes from his house, the setting was certainly different as the 41-year-old Rocket launched his 21st season after stops with Boston, Toronto and the New York Yankees. Clemens also delivered a hit-and-run single in his first at-bat. He kept the ball as a souvenir.

Clemens struck out nine, including Bonds looking twice at 94 mph fastballs. Bonds left town with 659 home runs, still one behind his godfather, Willie Mays, for third place all time. It also was the first time in major-league history that a pitcher with 300 wins had faced a hitter with 600 home runs.

Braves 18, Mets 10

ATLANTA - Adam LaRoche got the first two hits of his big-league career during an 11-run Atlanta inning.

Johnny Estrada and pinch hitter Julio Franco also had two hits in the fourth - the biggest inning for the Braves since they scored a team-record 13 runs against Houston on Sept. 20, 1972. LaRoche also got his first RBI.

Expos 3, Marlins 2

MIAMI - Claudio Vargas allowed four hits in six innings, and Carl Everett and Orlando Cabrera each homered for Montreal. The two long balls were all the Expos needed against Penny, who allowed 21 homers last season.

Phillies 5, Pirates 4

PITTSBURGH - Philadelphia didn't wait for Pittsburgh's bullpen to get to Jose Mesa this time, scoring twice in the eighth to rally for its first victory of the season. Tim Worrell pitched a scoreless eighth and Billy Wagner gave up a hit but struck out the side for his first save as a Phillie.

Cardinals 9, Brewers 4

ST. LOUIS - Scott Rolen capped a five-run rally in the seventh inning with a three-run homer, helping St. Louis win its first game. The Cardinals overcame a shaky debut from Woody Williams, who threw 82 pitches in three innings.

Diamondbacks 9, Rockies 5

PHOENIX - Richie Sexson hit his first home run for Arizona, sparking a seven-run fourth inning. Brent Mayne drove in three runs, including a two-run triple in the fourth. Roberto Alomar also had a two-run triple, and Brandon Webb (1-0) worked six effective innings for the win.