July 7, 2005, 5:08PM

All-Stars open spot for Roy-O
Pitcher joins Clemens, Lidge on NL's roster
By MICHAEL MURPHY
Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle

For Roy Oswalt, run support has been an issue for much of the
season. But on Wednesday night, Oswalt got all the support he
needed, winning the Ameriquest All-Star Final Vote to receive the
first All-Star berth of his career.

Oswalt edged Padres closer Trevor Hoffman for the final NL roster
spot for the 76th All-Star Game, which will be played Tuesday at
Comerica Park in Detroit.

"It's great," said Oswalt, who is 11-7 with a sparkling 2.44
ERA. "It's the first one I've been to. Being an All-Star in the big
leagues is something I've always wanted to do."

When the fan vote, conducted via the Internet and text messaging,
was announced in the third inning at Minute Maid Park, where the
Astros were in the midst of defeating San Diego 5-4, the crowd of
29,774 gave Oswalt a standing ovation. After being congratulated by
his teammates, Oswalt stood and tipped his cap to the crowd.

In addition to Hoffman, Oswalt beat out Arizona's Brandon Webb and
the Philadelphia duo of Billy Wagner and Brett Myers. In the
American League voting, White Sox outfielder Scott Podsednik beat
out New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter for the final spot.

"I'm just glad to be there," said Oswalt, laughing when asked if he
deserved the honor more than the other four players in the final
balloting. "The guys on that (NL) staff already have been throwing
up (incredible) numbers, especially (Atlanta's John) Smoltz and
(Florida's Dontrelle) Willis. They've been pitching real well this
year, and to be able to pitch alongside those guys is an honor."

Oswalt, who threw 104 pitches in Monday's 4-1 complete-game victory
over the Padres, joins teammates Roger Clemens and Brad Lidge on the
NL roster. It's the first time that the Astros have sent three
pitchers to the All-Star Game since 1999, the year they sent Mike
Hampton, Jose Lima and Wagner.

"I think that's exciting for Roy. I think he deserves it," said
Astros' manager Phil Garner. "With the importance of the All-Star
Game now in terms of home-field advantage (in the World Series), I
think he gives the National League an advantage."

Does he ever — especially if Oswalt stays on the wave he's been
riding lately.

Oswalt is 7-3 with a 1.31 ERA in is last 10 starts, a big reason the
Astros have been quickly closing in on the .500 mark.

After one last start — Saturday against the Dodgers — Oswalt will
head to Detroit for his first All-Star appearance. He's hoping to
perhaps hitch a ride on Clemens' private jet, which just may have an
extra seat for the Astros' newest All-Star.

"I hope he has about 12 seats open," Oswalt said. "I'm taking both
sides of my family — my wife's side and my side. I don't know how
many tickets I get, but hopefully I'll get enough. If not, then they
can watch it from the hotel."

michael.murphy@...