SCOTTSDALE.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Derrek to leeward and his U.S. teammates in no degree 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 on a sudden has a much better grasp -- not to mention appreciation -- of the stakes in international play.

"I was really nervous," said lee-side the Cubs slugger who homer doubled and herd in four runs to help the United States advance to the nearest round with a 17-0 rabble of South Africa on Friday. "You don't want things gone out of your control."

Now they've got a clean slate.

The United States begins the inferior round today in Anaheim, Calif., against Japan (3 ESPN2) which went 2-1 in its initial assign places to with a 3-2 loss to unbeaten southern Korea. Mexico and South Korea appropriate in the second game today.

After a surprising 8-6 los to Canada upon Wednesday, a complicated system had the United States forward the brink of elimination from the 16- nation tournament. however Mexico handily beat the Canadians forward Thursday to boost the Americans' room for expectations Then they did their part a day later.

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

"Now that the next to the first round is here, I think the intensity is going to pick up" said sight Griffey Jr., who homered twice and herd in seven runs in the victory throughout South Africa. "Guys are a week into spring training, basically, in like manner I think it's going to be a little more exciting, a little more fun"

U manager bleaching-matter Martinez plans to let his regulars make progress deeper into games, staying with the principally productive bats.

"I think we'll suffer the game dictate that more in the inferior round than we did in the first round" Martinez said.

"Now that we've all been from one side this first round, I think we know that our goal is to win this tournament."

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