Cardinals win World Series

The St. Louis Cardinals won their 11th World Series with a 6-2 win over the Texas Rangers in Game 7 Friday in St. Louis, making the seven-game series one of the most entertaining in history. The title caps of an improbable postseason, when the Cardinals weren’t even supposed to make it to the playoffs.

The series almost went to the Rangers, who were one strike away on Thursday in Game 6. The Cardinals were down 7-5 when St. Louis native David Freese hit a two-run double to tie the score in the ninth inning to go into extra innings. The Rangers scored two more in the 10th inning and Lance Berkman’s single helped tie the score back at 9 for the Cardinals. Freese came out the hero, when on a 3-ball, 2-strike count, he sent a pitch over the center field wall for the game-winning home run.

In Game 7, down early 2-0, Freese hit a two-run double to tie the score in the first inning and after Allen Craig’s solo home run, the Cardinals never looked back on their way to the win.

Freese was named Most Valuable Player of the series, after winning the National League Championship Series MVP award, as well. The Cardinals celebrated with fans in a parade on Sunday afternoon in downtown St. Louis.

On Monday, St. Louis manager Tony La Russa announced his retirement from baseball after 33 seasons in Major League Baseball. La Russa, 67, has won three World Series titles — one in Oakland and two now in St. Louis. He said he made his decision to retire in August and that the Cardinals’ struggles at the time and winning the World Series were all just coincidences in timing with his decision.

It is unknown if Cardinals star first baseman Albert Pujols will return next year. Pujols is a free agent, meaning he is free to seek a new contract and more money with a new team if he chooses.

Rams break streak

The winning continued in Missouri with the St. Louis Rams upsetting the New Orleans Saints 31-21 on Sunday, breaking a six-game losing streak. Running back Steven Jackson scored two touchdowns in his first 100-yard game in three seasons and Chris Long had three sacks on Saints quarterback Drew Brees.