LSU Homer in Ninth Deflates Hurricanes

Warren Morris’ first home run of the season was one he’ll never forget. Neither will anyone else who watched Louisiana State win the College World Series on Morris’ two-run homer with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning Saturday.

Morris, a preseason All-American sidelined most of the season after breaking his right hand, hit a line drive that barely cleared the right-field fence and gave LSU a 9-8 victory over Miami in the championship game.

“To tell you the truth, I thought it was going to be to the warning track and maybe hit the wall,” Morris said. “I wasn’t sure how far it was going. I didn’t think I could hit it that far.”

It went far enough to give LSU (52-15) its third World Series title, all since 1991, and deny Miami (50-14) its third championship.

The homer off Miami freshman reliever Robbie Morrison (4-2) set off a wild celebration by the Tigers, who mobbed Morris at the plate.

Miami players were stunned.

Shortstop Alex Cora, who had given Miami an 8-7 lead in the top of the ninth inning, collapsed face down on the field and several Hurricanes covered their faces with towels in their dugout.

“I thought I was going to be a hero and we were going to win,” said Cora, who had three hits and drove in three runs. “We were so close.”

Morris sat out 40 games after breaking his right hand in April, and returned to the lineup just before the regionals. LSU was 22-0 with him in the starting lineup.

“It’s been a tough year but it’s worth it,” Morris said. “It’s unbelievable. I really don’t remember what happened from the time I touched first base until I touched home. The reason I remember touching home was because I had to get through 25 guys to hit it. I wasn’t really trying to hit a home run and be a hero. I was just trying to get a hit and keep the inning going.”