SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) – Derrek Lee and his U.S. teammates never discussed or even envisioned a first-round scenario in which the Americans’ World Baseball Classic fate would be in the hands of another team.

After a serious scare, the talented roster of major leaguers suddenly has a much better grasp – not to mention appreciation – of the stakes in international play.

“I was really nervous,” said Lee, the Chicago Cubs slugger who homered, doubled and drove in four runs to help the United States advance to the next round with a 17-0 rout of South Africa on Friday. “You don’t want things out of your control.”

Now, they’ve got a clean slate, perhaps comparable to the start of the playoffs in October when every team is on equal footing again after the September chase.

The Americans begin the second round today in Anaheim, Calif., against Japan, which went 2-1 in its initial group with a 3-2 loss to unbeaten South Korea on March 5. Mexico and South Korea are set to meet in the second game Sunday at Angel Stadium.

The U.S. team took Saturday strictly as a travel day and didn’t schedule a workout in Anaheim like the other squads. The Americans should be well rested considering they needed only five innings and 1 hour, 47 minutes to eliminate South Africa with the mercy rule.

After a surprising 8-6 loss to Canada on Wednesday, a complicated system had the United States on the brink of elimination from the inaugural 16-nation tournament. But Mexico handily beat the Canadians – taking a big lead early – Thursday to boost the Americans’ hopes, then they went out and did their part a day later.

Facing the reality of the event’s unique format clearly brought the U.S. team closer. Now, these men realize every game is for real.

“It was a little nerve-racking,” said outfielder Randy Winn of the San Francisco Giants. “I’m more happy about it now that we got through it.”

They’ve got The Rocket to thank, too. Roger Clemens, 43 and contemplating finally calling it quits for good, allowed one hit and struck out six South Africa batters over 4 1-3 innings.

“I’m just glad we’re advancing,” Clemens said. “As we move on, the games will be a little larger and our guys will not only be able to play a few more innings in the field but you’ll be able to see a certain amount of pitchers be able to throw a few more innings.”

Jake Peavy takes the mound for the Americans against Japanese right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka, who led the Pacific League with 215 innings and 226 strikeouts for the Seibu Lions last year.

Matsuzaka is hoping to use this as an opportunity to showcase his skills to major league teams.