2011 World Series Game 6: Epic Comeback Box Score

by Jhon Lennon 50 views

Let's dive deep into one of the most unforgettable games in baseball history, guys! We're talking about Game 6 of the 2011 World Series between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Texas Rangers. If you're a baseball fan, you already know this game is legendary. If you're new to the sport, buckle up because you're about to discover why this game is still talked about today. We'll break down the complete box score and highlight the key moments that made this game an instant classic. Get ready to relive the drama, the excitement, and the sheer unbelievable twists and turns that defined this epic showdown.

The Setup: Cardinals vs. Rangers

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the box score, let's set the stage. The 2011 World Series pitted the St. Louis Cardinals, a team with a rich history and a never-say-die attitude, against the Texas Rangers, a team hungry for their first-ever World Series title. The Rangers, led by stars like Josh Hamilton and Adrian Beltre, had dominated the American League and were considered the favorites. The Cardinals, on the other hand, had clawed their way into the playoffs as a Wild Card team, fueled by the incredible performance of Albert Pujols and a resilient roster.

Heading into Game 6, the Rangers were just one win away from clinching the championship. They held a 3-2 series lead and had the opportunity to win it all on the road in St. Louis. The Cardinals, facing elimination, needed a miracle to stay alive. The atmosphere at Busch Stadium was electric, with fans on the edge of their seats, hoping for their team to pull off the impossible. Little did they know, they were about to witness a game that would go down in baseball folklore.

Lineups and Key Players

To fully appreciate the box score, it's important to know who was on the field. Here's a quick look at the starting lineups for both teams:

  • St. Louis Cardinals:

    • Rafael Furcal (SS)
    • Jon Jay (CF)
    • Albert Pujols (1B)
    • Matt Holliday (LF)
    • Lance Berkman (RF)
    • David Freese (3B)
    • Yadier Molina (C)
    • Nick Punto (2B)
    • Edwin Jackson (P)

  • Texas Rangers:

    • Elvis Andrus (SS)
    • Ian Kinsler (2B)
    • Michael Young (3B)
    • Adrian Beltre (RF)
    • Josh Hamilton (CF)
    • Nelson Cruz (LF)
    • Mike Napoli (C)
    • David Murphy (DH)
    • Matt Harrison (P)

Key players to watch included Albert Pujols, who was having an unbelievable postseason, and Josh Hamilton, the Rangers' power-hitting outfielder. Of course, David Freese would become the ultimate hero of the game, but more on that later!

The Box Score: A Play-by-Play Breakdown

Alright, let's get down to the real deal – the box score! I'll break it down inning by inning, highlighting the crucial moments and key plays that shaped the game. This wasn't just any game; it was a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with dramatic twists and turns that kept everyone on the edge of their seats.

Early Innings: A Tight Contest

The game started as a tense, back-and-forth affair. Both starting pitchers, Edwin Jackson for the Cardinals and Matt Harrison for the Rangers, kept the offenses in check early on. The Rangers struck first in the top of the 1st inning with a run, but the Cardinals quickly responded, tying the game. The score remained close, with both teams trading runs and neither able to pull away.

Middle Innings: Rangers Take the Lead

As the game progressed, the Rangers began to assert themselves. They scored runs in the 4th and 5th innings to take a 3-2 lead. Josh Hamilton's presence in the lineup was a constant threat, and the Cardinals struggled to contain the Rangers' offense. The Cardinals, however, managed to tie the game again, demonstrating their resilience and refusal to give up.

Late Innings: Drama Intensifies

The real drama started in the later innings. In the 7th, the Rangers scored two more runs to take a 5-3 lead. With just a few innings left, the Cardinals were facing a daunting task. The Rangers' closer, Neftali Feliz, was warming up in the bullpen, ready to shut the door and secure the championship. But the Cardinals had other plans.

The 9th Inning: Facing Elimination

Down to their final three outs, the Cardinals were in dire straits. Neftali Feliz came in to close the game, and the Rangers were on the verge of celebrating their first World Series title. But then, something incredible happened. The Cardinals rallied, scoring two runs to tie the game and send it into extra innings. The crowd went wild, and the momentum shifted dramatically.

Extra Innings: A Rollercoaster of Emotions

The extra innings were nothing short of insane. In the top of the 10th, Josh Hamilton hit a go-ahead two-run home run, putting the Rangers ahead 7-5. It seemed like destiny was on their side. But the Cardinals, once again, refused to quit. In the bottom of the 10th, they rallied again, scoring two runs to tie the game. The tension was palpable, and the fans were going absolutely bonkers.

Then came the 11th inning, it felt like the game would never end. The Texas Rangers managed to score two more runs. It felt as though, this was it. The end of the Cardinals.

The 11th Inning: Freese's Heroics

In the bottom of the 11th, with two outs and two strikes, David Freese stepped up to the plate. What happened next is etched in baseball history. Freese hit a towering three-run home run over the center field wall, sending the Cardinals to a miraculous 10-9 victory. The stadium erupted in a frenzy, and Freese became an instant legend. It was a moment that no one who witnessed it will ever forget.

Key Moments and Turning Points

  • Josh Hamilton's Home Run: In the top of the 10th, Hamilton's two-run home run seemed to seal the victory for the Rangers, adding another layer of heartbreak for Cardinals fans before their eventual triumph.
  • Neftali Feliz's Meltdown: The Rangers' closer, Neftali Feliz, couldn't hold the lead in the 9th, allowing the Cardinals to tie the game and keep their hopes alive.
  • David Freese's Home Run: Arguably the most iconic moment of the game, Freese's three-run home run in the 11th inning capped off an improbable comeback and sent the series to a Game 7.

The Aftermath: Cardinals Win the World Series

Following their incredible Game 6 victory, the Cardinals went on to win Game 7, completing their improbable run to the World Series title. David Freese was named the World Series MVP, cementing his place in Cardinals' history. The 2011 World Series will always be remembered as one of the most exciting and dramatic in baseball history, and Game 6 will forever be its defining moment.

Lessons Learned: Never Give Up!

The 2011 World Series Game 6 taught us a valuable lesson: never give up, no matter how dire the circumstances may seem. The Cardinals faced multiple instances of near-defeat but continued to fight, demonstrating the power of resilience and determination. This game is a testament to the human spirit and the unwavering belief that anything is possible. So, the next time you're facing a tough challenge, remember the 2011 World Series Game 6 and channel your inner Cardinal! You never know what incredible things you might achieve.

The Full Box Score

To truly appreciate the magnitude of this game, you need to see the full box score. It's a testament to the incredible performances of both teams and the countless dramatic moments that unfolded. While I can't display the entire table here, you can easily find it on major sports websites like ESPN or MLB.com. Take a look at the stats, study the numbers, and relive the magic of this unforgettable game!