With youthful enthusiasm, veterans Roger Clemens and Reggie Sanders made their returns from injuries.

The 42-year-old Clemens threw 109 pitches in his first start for Houston in 10 days, dominating the Detroit Tigers for four innings Monday. He eventually tired and gave up seven runs in six innings of the Astros' 14-11, 10-inning victory over the Tigers in Lakeland, Fla.

"The hamstring was free and loose," said Clemens, who gave up just four hits in the first four innings. "I was able to jog to the mound, which I couldn't do the other day."

At Jupiter, Fla., the 37-year-old Sanders homered in the third inning of the St. Louis Cardinals' 13-10 loss to the New York Mets, his first action since being removed from the lineup March 17 because of abdominal pain. He had surgery the following day, and spent two days in the hospital before being released.

"I still feel a little weak, but I expect to be at full strength opening day," Sanders said. As for the solo home run in the third inning, Sanders said with a smile, "It sure felt good."

Clemens got a standing ovation from the fans at Joker Marchant Stadium as he left after completing the sixth inning. He allowed 12 hits, two of them homers, while walking one and striking out seven.

This was the third start of the spring for Clemens, but the first since March 18, when he left a game against Detroit with a strained right hamstring. Clemens, who won his seventh Cy Young last season, threw 90 pitches in a simulated game March 24 in Kissimmee.

Astros manager Phil Garner had intended to keep Clemens on a 90-pitch count, but it didn't work out quite that way.

"I went out to the mound at 94 and he said he wanted to keep going," Garner said. "I frankly thought his 99th pitch was his best."

Sanders, who hit .260 with 22 home runs and 67 RBIs with the Cardinals last season, said he started light workouts five days after having surgery.

Manager Tony La Russa thinks Sanders should be ready for the regular season.

"He still has some work to do, but I expect him to be ready," La Russa said.