Peter Diana, Post-Gazette Oliver Perez needs just two strikeouts to become the second pitcher in the Pirates' 118-year history to record 200 strikeouts in a season. Click photo for larger image. More baseball Pirates step up push for rookie Bay Pirates Report: Scouting the Astros MLB Notebook: Hurricane Frances still raining on baseball schedule

The remnants of Hurricane Frances might have wiped out Oliver Perez's start last night, but it only briefly postponed his date with destiny.

When he starts the first game of a doubleheader with the streaking Astros, Perez will need just two strikeouts to become the second pitcher in the Pirates' 118-year history to record 200 strikeouts in a season.

The only other pitcher to do it was Bob Veale, a left-hander who the late Bob Prince said could throw a strawberry through a locomotive. The last time Veale did it was 1969, when Forbes Field was still standing, Neil Armstrong had left human bootprints on the moon, and the nation was learning about the grisly deeds of the Charles Manson family.

"It's remarkable. I think that's only the beginning of a lot of good things to come," manager Lloyd McClendon said of Perez's feat. "I think it's been a remarkable year for him."

At 23, Perez is just beginning to tap his potential. But the way he has done it has been one of the most pleasant surprises of the season.

A year ago, when he was acquired in the Brian Giles trade with Jason Bay, Perez looked raw and unharnessed. Even his teammates are surprised at the transformation.

"Last year he pitched like he was 17. This year he pitched like he was 38," said Josh Fogg.

In spring training, the Pirates were worried Perez had thrown too many innings in winter ball in Mexico, that his arm could go out playing long toss and his delivery was unrefined. Something had to be done.

"Coming out of spring training, I think we were all a little worried as to what he was going to give us this year," McClendon said.

But Perez listened and accepted the changes proposed by pitching coach Spin Williams. He struggled some in spring training and looked early like the weak spot in the rotation, but he has turned into the Pirates' pitcher who has the best chance of winning on any night -- no matter who the competition is.

"This young man knew he had to make some changes. He was willing to sacrifice some things to get it done. I think it's paid huge dividends for him. He'll only get better," McClendon said.

It's not just his wicked slider or the speed of his fastball that convinced the Pirates he is someone special. It also is his athleticism and enthusiasm, and his ability to adapt to new surroundings with a new team, that have set him apart.

		Today's Game Game: Astros (Hernandez 1-1 and Redding 4-7) at Pirates (Perez 9-8 and Fogg 9-9), 5:05 p.m. TV/radio: None/KDKA-AM (1020) Inside: Campaign 2004 begins for Jason Bay.

"The one thing that's impressive about this young man is, he's motivated to be the best he can be, not by monetary gains," McClendon said. "He's one of the most likeable guys in the locker room. He continues to work hard. He's got it all."

Perez leads the National League with 11 strikeouts per nine innings. He has reached double digits in strikeouts 13 times, eight this season.

His 198 strikeouts are the most since Larry McWilliams had 199 for the Pirates in 1983. The last Pirates left-hander to win at least 10 games was Denny Neagle (14-6) in 1996.

The Astros pounded four home runs and pulled out to a 7-0 lead against him last week in a game the Pirates lost, 8-6. But Perez has had bad outings before and bounced back, and he stands as a threat to Houston's 12-game winning streak.

"He thrives on competition. He has that competitive fire. He loves it when he's facing the best," McClendon said. "I liken him a lot to Jason Bay. This guy absolutely enjoys driving in runs. You can see his eyes light up in those situations. His competitive spirit is special. A lot of people tighten up in those situations. They thrive on it."