Phoenix ? One after another, the American pitchers were untouchable. A pair of big blows provided all the help they needed.

Jake Peavy and a parade of relievers combined on a four-hitter against a lineup loaded with major leaguers Tuesday, leading the United States to a 2-0 victory over Mexico in its World Baseball Classic debut.

Home runs by Derrek Lee and Chipper Jones provided all the necessary offense.

“Today I felt proud,” Lee said. “I felt like the whole country was watching.”

Lee hit a 1-1 pitch from starter Rodrigo Lopez over the right-field fence, and Jones homered on the first pitch he saw in the tournament – off Oscar Villarreal in the seventh.

These U.S. stars have been talking pride and patriotism since gathering Friday.

“I’ve never had a better feeling in my life,” Peavy said. “It was the coolest thing I have ever done when Team USA took the field today.”

Added Jones, “I probably had more butterflies today than any playoff games.”

Team USA second baseman Chase Utley throws to the pitcher after fielding a single hit by Mexico's Karim Garcia. The U.S. won its World Baseball Classic opener, 2-0, Tuesday in Phoenix.

Peavy allowed one hit – an infield single by Karim Garcia that easily could have been ruled an error on second baseman Chase Utley to start the game. The 24-year-old San Diego Padres right-hander struck out three, throwing just 23 pitches. Mike Timlin, Chad Cordero, Dan Wheeler, Todd Jones, Joe Nathan and Brad Lidge each threw an inning of relief for the U.S. squad, which has 11 relievers on its roster.

“Our bullpen is ridiculous,” Lee said. “I kind of felt sorry for those guys having to face them.”

The U.S. pitchers combined for nine strikeouts and no walks, shutting out Mexico in only 2 hours, 6 minutes.

No Mexican hitters got beyond first. Three base-runners were erased on double plays.

“It was a good game,” Mexico manager Paquin Estrada said through a translator, “but there really was no room for mistakes. There were two hits, and it was just a matter of pitching.”

The crowd of 32,727 at Chase Field – formerly known as Bank One Ballpark – was loud and lively.

“I thought it was awesome,” Jones said. “I thought it was electric. The Mexican fans brought a lot of electricity to the game.”