Coastal Carolina capitalized on two errors on the same play for four unearned runs in the sixth inning, and the Chanticleers won their first national championship in any sport with a 4-3 victory over Arizona in Game 3 of the College World Series finals on Thursday.
The Chanticleers (55-18) became the first program since Minnesota in 1956 to win the title in its first CWS appearance. Arizona (49-24) was trying for its second national title since 2012.
Alex Cunningham earned his first save, striking out Ryan Haug with a full-count fastball to end the game after Arizona had pulled within a one in the bottom of the ninth.
The final out!
Coastal Carolina wins its first-ever NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP! https://t.co/EmYdFtoEUh
— NCAA Baseball (@NCAACWS) June 30, 2016
Thank you to all of our outstanding fans and those who supported us through this magical run! We can't wait to get back here. #BearDown
— Arizona Baseball (@ArizonaBaseball) June 30, 2016
Heartbreaking?.... Congrats @CoastalBaseball -I bleed red & blue... but y'all were hard to root against. SO proud of you @ArizonaBaseball
— Jennie Finch (@JennieFinch) June 30, 2016
Beyond proud of this group of Champions..today will sting but I would not trade them for anyone. Thank you 2016 Cats. #CREED
— Jay Johnson (@UACoachJ) July 1, 2016
Congratulations to University of Arizona for being a fine representative of PAC-12 Baseball.
— Tracy Smith (@ASUSkip) June 30, 2016
Andrew Beckwith (15-1), the national leader in wins, went 5 2/3 innings after pitching two complete games and picked up his third victory of the CWS. He was named the Most Outstanding Player.
Arizona's Bobby Dalbec (11-6) also worked 5 2/3 innings, with all the runs coming against him. He struck out eight to increase his CWS total to 25 in 20 innings.
