John Norwood's home run in 8th carries Vanderbilt to 3-2 win over Virginia, 1st national title

Vanderbilt's Carson Fulmer throws a pitch in the first inning of Game 3 of the best-of-three NCAA baseball College World Series finals against Virginia, in Omaha, Neb., Wednesday, June 25, 2014. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik) (The Associated Press)

Virginia pitcher Artie Lewicki (34) reacts as Vanderbilt's John Norwood scores in the sixth inning of Game 3 of the best-of-three NCAA baseball College World Series finals in Omaha, Neb., Wednesday, June 25, 2014. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik) (The Associated Press)

John Norwood's home run in the top of the eighth inning gave Vanderbilt the lead, and the Commodores beat Virginia 3-2 on Wednesday night for their first national championship.

Norwood turned on Nick Howard's 97 mph fastball and sent it into the left field bullpen to break a 2-2 tie in the third and deciding game of the College World Series finals.

It was Norwood's third homer of the year, his first since April 19, and Vanderbilt's first since May 16. It also was only the third home run in 16 CWS games and the 22nd in 72 games by the Commodores (51-21).

The Cavaliers (53-16) loaded the bases with one out in the eighth when Adam Ravenelle hit Kenny Towns. But Mike Papi was forced out at home on a chopper to Ravenelle, and Brandon Downes grounded out.