Colleges

Oregon State captures title

By TIMES WIRES
Published June 27, 2006

OMAHA, Neb. - Bill Rowe scored the go-ahead run on second baseman Bryan Steed's throwing error in the bottom of the eighth, and Oregon State held on to beat North Carolina 3-2 Monday night for its first College World Series title.

The Beavers (50-16) became the first team in CWS history to lose twice in Omaha and win the national championship. Oregon State also is the first truly Northern-based school to win the series since Ohio State in 1966.

"You've got to be lucky to win a national championship," closer Kevin Gunderson said. "We got the right breaks when we needed them. . . . For everyone who doubt-ed us all year, it proves we can play ball."

With the game tied at 2 in the eighth, Rowe drew a two-out walk and Tyler Graham blooped a single into left. Tar Heels ace Andrew Miller, the No. 6 overall pick by Detroit, came on in relief of Daniel Bard and got pinch-hitter Ryan Gipson to one-hop a grounder to Steed.

The second baseman, who came in as a defensive replacement in the fifth, threw wide and past first baseman Tim Federowicz for the Tar Heels' fourth error of the game as Rowe scored the go-ahead run. The Beavers stormed out of their dugout and mobbed Rowe as the Tar Heels (54-15) grew silent.

"I probably got rid of it too quick," Steed said.

North Carolina put two runners on against Dallas Buck (13-3) with one out in the ninth, but Gunderson got Josh Horton to hit into a fielder's choice, and - with the tying run on third - got slugger Chad Flack to fly out to center to end it.

The victory concluded a remarkable run for the Beavers, who lost their first game in Omaha but reached the championship with four straight wins. After losing Game 1, Oregon State pulled out two victories.

"They were tough," said North Carolina coach Mike Fox, fighting back tears. "Obviously, it's a huge disappointment for us. To get this close and not win it certainly is disappointing."

LSU: Notre Dame coach Paul Mainieri will interview for the Tigers' coaching vacancy today. Mainieri has compiled a 533-213-3 record in 12 years with the Fighting Irish.

[Last modified June 27, 2006, 06:35:46]