St. Louis Cardinals are World Series Champions for 11th time – MLB Update
No one could have ever written this script. This was never on the cards, but Tony La Russa and his men had other plans in mind. The St. Louis Cardinals, influenced by Allen Craig and David Freese, subdued the Texas Rangers 6-2 to win Game 7 of the Fall Classic
for the first time since 2002 and bring home the 11th World Series crown for the Redbirds.
A third inning go-ahead home-run by Craig, followed by a fifth inning mess-up by the Rangers gave the Cardinals an upper-hand in the finale. The out-fielder proved his worth in defence as well, holding on to two catches that were detrimental for the Rangers,
including the final out on a fly-ball.
Expressing his emotions after the game, Craig said, "I was just hoping I could finish it right there. When the ball went up, I was like, 'Just catch it and it's over.' And I got it and it was over. It's unbelievable."
Freese was named as the Most Valuable Player in the National League Championship Series for his priceless contributions against the Milwaukee Brewers and replicated his feat in this series, being named as MVP for the second consecutive series in the postseason.
After having lashed the walk-off homer in Game 6, Freese’s two-run double in the first inning in Game 7 ensured top honour for the native player.
Cardinals’ third base-man was tied with David Ortiz, Scott Spiezio and Sandy Alomar Jr. for driving in 19 runs during the postseason, but the first inning feat pushed him ahead of all three and engraved his name on the record books for most RBIs in a single
postseason.
Chris Carpenter was at his usual best from the mound, pitching five-plus scoreless innings after leaking two runs in the first inning. In total, Carpenter tossed six innings to win his second start of the World Series in as many chances. The bull-pen complimented
well, tossing three scoreless innings in the follow-up to secure the Championship for the Cardinals.
National League comeback player of the year, Lance Berkman, scored the final run for St. Louis in the seventh inning to extend the lead to four-runs and live-up to his reputation of being the most dependable player in the line-up.
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