Vanderbilt wins first College World Series title

John Norwood’s home run in the top of the eighth inning gave Vanderbilt the lead, and the Commodores beat Virginia, 3-2, on Wednesday night for their first national championship.

Norwood turned on Nick Howard’s 97-mph fastball and sent it into the left field bullpen to break a 2-2 tie in the third and deciding game of the College World Series finals.

It was Norwood’s third homer of the year, his first since April 19, and Vanderbilt’s first since May 16. It also was only the third home run in 16 CWS games and the 22nd in 72 games by the Commodores (51-21).

The Cavaliers (53-16) loaded the bases with one out in the eighth when Adam Ravenelle hit Kenny Towns. But Mike Papi was forced at home on a chopper to Ravenelle, and Brandon Downes grounded out.