The United States has advanced to the second round of the World Baseball Tournament by routing South Africa 17-0 in a game shortened to five innings by the tournament's mercy rule.
Roger Clemens allowed one hit in just over four innings of work in Scottsdale, Arizona for the American team, while Ken Griffey Jr. led the offensive barrage with four hits in four times at bat, including two home runs and seven runs batted in.
South Africa trailed 10-0 after two innings and leaves the tournament without a win.
The United States was coming off a stunning 8-6 loss to Canada and had to beat South Africa to advance to the second round Sunday, when it will face Japan in Anaheim California. Mexico plays South Korea in the second game there.
Elsewhere Friday, the Netherlands left the tournament in style as 18-year old Shairon Martis threw the tournament's first no-hitter as the Netherlands rolled to a 10-0 mercy rule win over Panama. The Dutch pounded out 17 hits in San Juan, Puerto Rico to claim its first win and finish the tournament 1-2 to take third place in Pool C behind Puerto Rico and Cuba. Panama went winless in the bracket.