SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Roger Clemens struck out three in two scoreless innings and Chase Utley went 5-for-5 with a home run and three RBIs in Team USA’s debut Sunday – a 12-7 exhibition victory over a San Francisco Giants split squad.

Utley’s two-run shot off Jack Taschner broke a 7-7 tie in the eighth inning of a game that went 10 to allow extra work for Team USA players, some of whom had not had an at-bat this spring.

Chipper Jones also hit a two-run homer for the U.S. squad, which opens its World Baseball Classic play Tuesday against Mexico at Chase Field in Phoenix.

Clemens, who has yet to say whether he will pitch another season in the majors, got the start. The 43-year-old right-hander allowed just one hit, Steve Finley’s two-out double in the first. Clemens threw 29 pitches. He struck out the last two batters he faced and three of his last four.

“It was everything I expected it to be, a lot of pride,” he said. “Finally, everything’s come together.”

Clemens will start Friday against South Africa.

Commissioner Bud Selig, who pushed strongly for the 16-nation tournament, spoke to the U.S. team in the clubhouse before the game, played in hazy sunshine before a near-capacity crowd of about 10,000 at Scottsdale Stadium, the Giants’ spring training home.

“I wanted to thank them, but what I really wanted to say was how much this meant to me and to a lot of other people,” Selig said. “And I wish you could have heard their responses. It was just tremendous. … The individual response I got from almost every player was just absolutely remarkable. I don’t mind telling you I won’t forget this day for a long time.”

Jones started at third base ahead of Alex Rodriguez and homered off Billy Sadler in Team USA’s six-run second. Sadler relieved Giants starter Matt Morris.

“It was kind of cool, a career highlight,” the Atlanta Braves’ slugger said. “I don’t care if it is an exhibition game, to be able to run around the bases with USA across my chest and have Junior (Ken Griffey Jr.) and Brian Schneider waiting at home to give you high fives.”

Two U.S. runs in the second scored on an error by San Francisco second baseman Ray Durham.

The Giants scored four runs on five hits off Al Leiter in the second inning. Fred Lewis’ RBI single in the seventh tied it at 7.

Clemens repeated earlier comments that his play in the Classic would have no impact on his decision of whether to play another season. He clearly is savoring his spring experience.

“When we get under way on Tuesday it’s going to be special,” Clemens said. “I definitely want at this stage of my career to really absorb these moments.”

The United States, Mexico, Canada and South Africa make up Pool B in the first round. Each team plays the other three, with the top two finishers advancing to the second round March 12-16 in Anaheim, Calif. The semifinals and finals are March 18 and 20 in San Diego.

AP-ES-03-05-06 1913EST