The St. Louis Cardinals won the 2011 World Series by defeating the Texas Rangers in seven games, but the series’ defining drama unfolded in a single night: Game 6, when the Cardinals were one strike away from elimination twice and tied the game both times to force a Game 7.
The Setup: Facing Elimination in Texas
Going into Game 6 in Arlington, Texas led the series 3–2. The St. Louis Cardinals were one loss away from their first World Series loss of the postseason, playing in enemy territory. The Rangers of Texas were chasing their first championship ever; the Cardinals were hunting their 11th title in franchise history. Everything was on the line.
The Ninth Inning: Twice to the Brink
In the ninth inning with two outs, David Freese stepped into the batter’s box with the series hanging by a thread. Neftali Feliz, the Rangers’ closer who led the American League with 32 saves during the regular season, was on the mound. Freese connected for a two-run home run that tied the game 7–7 when the Cardinals were down to their final strike. It wasn’t the only close call: before that homer, St. Louis had already been on the edge of elimination and rallied once more.
That Freese home run ranks among the most iconic in modern World Series history. The Cardinals’ third baseman, who batted .297 with 20 home runs during the regular season, became the hero of the night in Arlington.
Extra Innings: The Drama Deepens
Game 6 went to extra innings. In the 11th, Edgar Rentería, the St. Louis Cardinals’ shortstop, launched a solo home run that finally sealed a 6–5 victory for the Cardinals. Rentería, acquired by St. Louis at the trade deadline before the season, was named World Series MVP after batting .345 with two home runs across all seven games of the series.
Game 7: The Coronation
Two days later, at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, the Cardinals closed out the series with a 6–2 win over the Rangers of Texas. The city of St. Louis, which hadn’t won a championship since 1982, erupted in celebration. Chris Carpenter, the ace of the Cardinals’ rotation, was instrumental in the postseason run with a 3.46 ERA in October baseball.
The Legacy of David Freese
David Freese did more than save the series with his Game 6 home run: he was named MVP of the National League Championship Series and became the face of the entire postseason run. His moment of glory in Arlington remains etched in the memory of St. Louis Cardinals fans and in the annals of Major League Baseball history.
| Game | Result | Location | Key Moment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game 6 | Cardinals 6, Rangers 5 (11 inn.) | Arlington, Texas | David Freese home run in 9th; Edgar Rentería home run in 11th |
| Game 7 | Cardinals 6, Rangers 2 | St. Louis | Series clincher; 11th title for the Cardinals |
| Full Series | Cardinals 4, Rangers 3 | Seven games | Edgar Rentería, World Series MVP |
FAQ
Why is Game 6 of the 2011 World Series so memorable?
Because the St. Louis Cardinals were one strike away from elimination twice and tied the game both times, forcing extra innings. David Freese’s ninth-inning home run is one of the most iconic moments in World Series history.
Who was the MVP of the 2011 World Series?
Edgar Rentería, shortstop of the St. Louis Cardinals, earned the award after batting .345 with two home runs across all seven games of the series.
When did the St. Louis Cardinals last win a World Series before 2011?
In 1982, when they defeated the Milwaukee Brewers in seven games. The 2011 championship was their 11th title in franchise history.
