NEW YORK -- Roger Clemens became the third pitcher in major league history to strike out 4,000 batters, reaching the milestone by fanning Edgar Renteria in the second inning of the New York Yankees' game against St. Louis on Friday night.

Clemens also got his 300th win on his fourth try. He left after 6 2/3 innings, and the Yankees held on to win 5-2.

Clemens struck out 10, raising his career total 4,006.

The Rocket struck out the side in the first inning as flashbulbs popped, fanning Miguel Cairo, J.D. Drew and Albert Pujols -- all swinging.

He gave up a home run to Jim Edmonds leading off the second, which tied the score 1-all, then went to an 0-2 count on Scott Rolen, who took two balls and fouled off two pitches before doubling.

Clemens also went to an 0-2 count on the next batter, Renteria. Then, on a 3-2 pitch, Clemens got Renteria swinging.

Catcher Jorge Posada went out to the mound to shake Clemens' hand, and the ball was taken out of play.

Much of the game was played in a drizzle, but it reached 4½ innings with New York leading 3-2, making it official.

Clemens also struck out the next batter, Tino Martinez, playing his first game at Yankee Stadium since leaving the Yankees to sign with St. Louis after the 2001 season. Clemens fanned Mike Matheny to end the second inning.

Nolan Ryan (5,714) and Steve Carlton (4,136) are the only pitchers with more strikeouts.

Clemens, 6-4 with a 3.81 ERA in 13 starts, is in his 20th year in the major leagues and says he probably will retire at the end of season.