WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC: U.S. STILL ALIVE IN WBC.

Byline: Jill Painter Staff Writer

FULLERTON - Several members of the U.S. baseball team couldn't stop laughing as Ken Griffey Jr. took batting practice with an aluminum bat. They all watched balls fly out of Cal State Fullerton's Goodwin Field.

Johnny Damon argued that if he used an aluminum bat, he'd probably break it.

It was one of many light moments Wednesday morning. The evening was certainly different as the fate of the U.S. rested on the game between Japan and Korea. They needed a Korea win and they got it.

Korea edged Japan, 2-1. Now, the U.S. needs a win over Mexico - with Roger Clemens on the mound - today, to advance to the semifinals.

But whether or not the U.S. beats Mexico, the World Baseball Classic has been a hit. At least with U.S. players.

Chipper Jones has plenty of good things to report when he gets back to spring training with the Atlanta Braves.

``I'll relay to them that they missed out,'' Jones said of teammates John Smoltz and Tim Hudson. ``They've got their own reasons (for not playing).''

Barry Bonds declined to play for the WBC before it started, saying he needed to get ready for the Major League Baseball season. After the first round, he wanted to join the team but manager Buck Martinez said he wouldn't replace one of the 30 players on the roster unless there was an injury.

Catcher Michael Barrett gave the WBC a ringing endorsement.

``This is the best baseball experience of my life,'' Barrett said. ``For me, in my short career, this is a blessing. I didn't think this would ever happen to me. When it's all over with, win or lose, I'm a blessed human being.''

Before Wednesday's game, U.S. players pondered the opportunity to play in what turned out to be a meaningful game against Mexico.

``It would be huge. Ya'll would see us jacked up and real intense,'' Jones said. ``We don't want to have everyone saying this team didn't accomplish what it should've accomplished.''

This means Roger Clemens' start - perhaps the final of his baseball career - is that much more special. He saved the U.S. from elimination in the first round by leading the U.S. to a win over South Africa.

``He's more like Jesus than I thought,'' Jones said. ``Guys will be in the clubhouse talking smack and roger walks in and it's like a parting of the Red Sea. ' He's like EF Hutton. When he talks, people listen.''

And when Clemens pitches, people take notice.

--Note: Damon (shoulder tendonitis) won't play in today's game.

Jill Painter, [phone]

jill.painter(at)dailynews.com

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Chipper Jones and the rest of the U.S. squad can advance to the semifinals of the WBC with a win over Mexico today.

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images