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. Someone was looking out over our heads tonight. For everyone who doubted 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 slid into home with the go-ahead run. The Beavers stormed out of their dugout and mobbed Rowe as the Tar Heels (54-15) grew silent on the other side of the field.
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.
Gunderson, who won Game 2 by pitching a season-high 5 1-3 relief innings, threw his glove and hat in the air, and waited as his teammates ran to the mound and piled on each other in celebration.
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 to North Carolina, Oregon State pulled out two victories.
"I think we were picked to lose every game here," Gunderson said. "We came out and battled hard."
The Tar Heels had a chance in the eighth when they loaded the bases with one out, but Buck - making his first relief appearance of the season - struck out Seth Williams. Buck got ahead in the count on Benji Johnson, when Horton sprinted home from third, but Johnson swung through a pitch out of the strike zone to end the inning.
"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."
© 2006 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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