Grenier, Beavers rally, push Hogs to decisive game

OMAHA, Neb. — Oregon State’s Trevor Larnach hit a tiebreaking two-run homer in the top of the ninth inning after Arkansas blew a chance to lock up the national title, and the Beavers forced a third and final game in the College World Series finals with a 5-3 win Wednesday.

Bishop Gorman product Cadyn Grenier singled in the tying run after three

Arkansas fielders watched his foul ball drop between them. Larnach then launched his 19th homer of the season into the right-field bullpen for the Beavers (54-12-1).

The game might be most remembered for the play the Razorbacks (48-20) didn’t make, one that would have given them their first national baseball title.

Zach Clayton, who pinch ran for Zak Taylor after a walk leading off the ninth, was on third when Grenier came up to bat with two outs.

On a 1-and-1 pitch from Matt Cronin (2-2), Grenier popped a high foul behind first base and toward the stands. Second baseman Carson Shaddy, first baseman Jared Gates and right fielder Eric Cole converged. But no one called it, and it hit the ground.

Cronin’s next pitch was way high, and, after a foul ball, Grenier sent a drive into left field to score Clayton. Grenier pumped his fist as he ran to first and punched the air twice more when he rounded the base.

Kevin Abel (7-1) was the winner.