I feel very confident with two strikes. I feel it's more of a freedom. I get very upset with myself if I make an out on a bad pitch before two strikes. With two strikes, it's all out the window. I feel free.

Everybody talks about how great it is, but you don't really realize it until you get to come fresh to this city (St. Louis). It's amazing, ... Now you know why when someone comes in, they don't want to leave.

[This was not vintage Roger Clemens , and David Eckstein frowned when asked if this was a winnable contest, knowing his club squandered too many opportunities against the old ace.] We had our chances, ... I think his hamstring was bothering him. There was a play when he didn't run to cover first base. There may be something there.

Don't turn the channel, ... no matter what the score is.

It's pretty calming to step to the plate in that situation.

We had our chances. I think his hamstring was bothering him. There was a play when he didn't run to cover first base. There may be something there.