01:00 AM EST on Monday, March 6, 2006

The Rocket is ready.

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

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 tomorrow 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 the 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 before a near-capacity crowd of about 10,000 at Scottsdale Stadium, the Giants' spring training home.

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."

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, it's going to be special," Clemens said. "I definitely want at this stage of my career to really absorb these moments."

ROUNDUP SELIG NOT DETERRED : Baseball commissioner Bud Selig watched one of his biggest projects get off the ground yesterday, and he wasn't about to let the Yankees spoil the moment. Selig met with reporters at Scottsdale and was asked about a sign that was posted Saturday in the main concourse at the Yankees' spring training complex in Tampa, Fla. The sign apologized to fans about the absence of some Yankees stars. They include Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter and Johnny Damon, who chose to play for the U.S. in the WBC Bernie Williams is playing for Puerto Rico. "The New York Yankess," the sign stated, misspelling the team's name, "did not vote to support this event. Any comments you have regarding the World Baseball Classic should be directed to the commissioner of Major League Baseball or the Major League Baseball Players Association." The Yankees said the sign would be removed before today game. Howard Rubenstein, spokesman for George Steinbrenner, said yesterday the Yankees' owner did not know about the sign until hearing of it after news reports.