For two points $\mathrm { A } ( 2 , a , - 2 ) , \mathrm { B } ( 5 , - 2,1 )$ in coordinate space, when the point that divides segment AB internally in the ratio $2 : 1$ lies on the $x$-axis, what is the value of $a$? [2 points]\\
(1) 1\\
(2) 2\\
(3) 3\\
(4) 4\\
(5) 5