OSU bloomed after UCLA series

OMAHA, Neb. – The message was simple. The task was much more difficult.

“Win two of three, or we’re going home,” Oregon State coach Pat Casey told his players on the eve of their final regular-season series at UCLA.

The Beavers won two of the three games – and they’re still playing a month later. The defending national champions have won 10 of their past 11 entering their College World Series finals rematch against North Carolina.

Games 1 and 2 in the best-of-3 series are today and Sunday, with a third game Monday, if necessary. It’s the second time in the CWS’ 61-year history that the same teams have reached the finals in consecutive years. Arizona State and Southern California met in 1972 and 1973.

Casey said Friday he doubts the Beavers (47-18) would have made the 64-team national tournament if they had lost two or three against UCLA, the second-place team in the Pacific-10. The Beavers tied for sixth, but they impressed the selection committee with a 28-3 record against a strong non-conference schedule.

“We’ve battled through some hard times,” catcher Mitch Canham said. “We deserve to be right here right now.”

Oregon State won a regional at Virginia, took two from Michigan at home in super regionals and beat Cal State Fullerton, Arizona State and UC Irvine at the CWS.

North Carolina (57-14) swept through its regional and won a three-game super regional over South Carolina, both at home. The Tar Heels split their first two games in Omaha, then had to beat Louisville once and Rice twice to get back to the finals.

The Tar Heels’ performance in the face of elimination was reminiscent, though not as dramatic, as Oregon State’s run to the 2006 championship. The Beavers came back to win it all after losing 11-1 to Miami in the CWS opener.

UNC had to win three games in three days after a 14-4 loss to Rice. Oregon State, meanwhile, played three games the first seven days of the CWS.