One of the best MLB seasons in recent memories ended with an even better World Series. The St. Louis Cardinals took home the trophy after beating the Rangers in the seven game series as the two teams played in one of the best World Series in modern day baseball. It was not only the way that the Series played out but it was also the path that the Cardinals took to win that made this story so great.
St. Louis was basically counted out during spring training when it was announced that their ace, Adam Wainwright was going to miss the entire season. The team did not only overcome this deficit but they were able to erase the 10.5 games that they were behind in late August to win the wildcard. The Cardinals then went on to beat the Phillies and Brewers, who were the top two teams in the NL, to make it to the World Series.
The Cardinals next task was to beat the Texas Rangers and win the World Series. It was much easier said than done.
St. Louis started hot and won the first game of the series. The two teams ended up splitting the first four games and went into game five tied 2-2. After a game 5 Rangers win, St. Louis now had to win on of the final two games to be the champions of the MLB.
Rain postponed game six which was probably the best thing that could have happened for the Cardinals. If they could win game six then their ace, Chris Carpenter would be able to start game seven on three days of rest.
This game was easily the best game of the entire series if not the decade. Texas was up 7-5 in the bottom of the 9th with two strikes on David Freese. It looked like the game was over. Freese then go a hold of one and sent it an inch over Nelson Cruz’s glove in right field. The ball rolled to the fence and the two base-runners scored, sending the game into extra innings.
Texas then scored two runs on a Josh Hamilton homer in the top of the 10th and again it looked as if the Cardinals season was going to end. St. Louis surprised again and scrapped together two runs, tying the game.
The Rangers didn’t score in the 11th and Freese came up with a chance to win the game in their half of the inning. Freese got his pitch and sent it deep to centerfield giving the Cardinals the momentum that they needed.
Carpenter pitched in game seven and started very slow. He gave up two runs in the first but those were the last runs that Texas would score. St. Louis went on to take the lead in the third inning and did not look back.
Freese is a native to Saint Louis and grew up a Cardinals fan. This is probably one of the best stories from the World Series. Imagine being the main reason that your favorite team won a championship. Freese was just in awe the whole time.
Another great story was Allen Craig who stepped in for the struggling Matt Holliday. Craig came out and surprised many. He had home runs in games three, six and seven. Craig played a pivotal role in the Cardinals championship run.
The biggest surprise from the series may be that Tony LaRussa did not fall asleep drunk in his car the night that they won. We all know that got wasted that night.
This was one of the best World Series ever and there will never be another one like it ever again. The biggest surprise from the series may be why Tony La Russa did not fall asleep drunk in his car the night that they won. We all know that got wasted that night.
This was one of the best World Series ever and there will never be another one like it ever again.
Joe Beaudoin can be reached at jbeaudoin@spartans.ut.edu.