Beavers get to defend title

CORVALLIS, Ore. – The Beavers are headed back to Omaha.

Mike Stutes allowed two runs on three hits over eight strong innings and defending national champion Oregon State eliminated Michigan 8-2 at the NCAA Corvallis super regional on Monday.

Darwin Barney was 3 for 5 with three RBIs for the Beavers (44-18), who will face Cal State Fullerton in their opening game of the College World Series on Saturday.

It is Oregon State’s third straight trip to Omaha. Last season they won six elimination games en route to the title.

Stutes (10-4) struck out nine and walked just one. The only runs he allowed were a pair of solo homers by Michigan outfielder Eric Rose.

Starter Mike Wilson lasted only 1 1/3 innings for the Wolverines (42-19), allowing four runs without giving up a hit.

The Beavers received an at-large bid despite finishing sixth in the Pac-10. They won the Charlottesville Regional as the No. 3 seed, beating Rutgers in the opener before losing to top-seeded Virginia in 13 innings. The Beavers eliminated Rutgers before beating Virginia twice to advance to the super regionals.