Miami rallies into CWS final

Associated Press

OMAHA, Neb. — There was no panic when Miami fell behind Tennessee early. Instead, there was resolve.

The Hurricanes couldn't get their offense going against Volunteers starter Brian Gates, so they got together in the dugout and decided to take control of the game.

Kevin Howard and Danny Matienzo hit back-to-back home runs to spark a seven-run fourth inning, leading Miami to the College World Series championship game with a 12-6 over Tennessee yesterday.

"We just kind of looked at each other and said we've got to battle," Matienzo said. "We've been hitting great this whole week, so we knew we could do it. We just had that confidence and went out there and did it."

Kevin Brown also homered for the Hurricanes (52-12), who are in the title game for the second time in three years and sixth overall. Miami won during its last championship game appearance in 1999, and also won in 1982 and '85.

Miami, which has won 16 consecutive games, will play Stanford (51-16) in tomorrow's winner-take-all title game. The Cardinal beat Cal State Fullerton 4-1 on Wednesday night. Neither team has lost in this year's College World Series.