Ken Griffey Jr. went hitless in 4 trips to the plate Saturday in Cincy’s 4-2 loss to Florida, the Marlins staying a game ahead of the Mets in the NL East. . With a chance to drive in the tying runs against Guillermo Mota in the bottom of the 9th, Junior struck out. In 51 AB’s in 2005, Griffey has just 3 RBI’s, no home runs and is hitting .200.

It’s a different sort of frustration for Houston’s Roger Clemens (above) , who extended his season’s scoreless innings streak to 23 against the Cardinals today. The Astros, however, have continued to provide their ace no support whatsoever ; the game is currently tied 0-0 in the top of the 9th, Clemens having been relieved by Chad Qualls after 7 innings (6 K’s, 4 walks, 4 hits). Mark Mulder is working on a 3 hitter, striking out 5 over 7 innings.

UPDATE : Cards 1, Astros 0. St. Louis wins it on Larry Walker’s ground rule double in the bottom of the 10th ; Mulder going all the way for the Cardinals (10 IP, 4 hits, 0 BB).

Steve Phillips predicted at the end of Spring Training that Los Angeles and Houston were the two teams most likely to disappoint in ’05. Thus far, the former Mets G.M. appears to have been incorrect about the Dodgers, but might prove right where the aging Astros are concerned. If there are any Lance Berkman sightings in Round Rock this weekend, CSTB will be the 9th or 10th fastest place to get you the scoop.