2011 World Series David Freese Game 6 Walk-Off HR
The walk-off homer that stole the night and forced a legendary Game 7.
The defining moment of the 2011 World Series occurred on October 28 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, where third baseman David Freese delivered a walk-off home run to secure victory for the Cardinals against the Texas Rangers. This dramatic finish not only forced a decisive Game 7 but also cemented the series as one of the most thrilling and unpredictable championships in baseball history.
- Player
- David Freese
- Team
- St. Louis Cardinals
- Opponent
- Texas Rangers
- Event
- 2011 World Series, Game 6
- Outcome
- Walk-off Home Run
- Series Result
- Forced Game 7 (Cardinals won series)
- Location
- Busch Stadium, St. Louis
Lore & Background
Facing Rangers closer Neftali Feliz, Freese connected on a pitch that soared over the right-field wall at Busch Stadium. The ball landed just beyond the fence, triggering an eruption of celebration from the home crowd and sending the series back to Texas for a decisive Game 7. This moment is often cited as the pinnacle of Freese's career and remains the most iconic single play in modern Cardinals history.
In Their Own Story
The lights at Busch Stadium hummed against the cool October night air, casting long shadows across the diamond where two teams fought for immortality. With two outs in the ninth and the score tied 9-8, David Freese stepped into the batter's box, his grip tightening on the bat as he stared down Neftali Feliz. The crowd held its breath, a collective silence falling over St. Louis before the crack of the bat shattered the night; the ball rocketed toward right field, clearing the wall and unleashing a roar that would echo through generations.
Reader's Guide
The game was a marathon of offensive explosions, with both teams trading blows throughout nine innings. The Cardinals took an early lead, but the Rangers rallied to tie the score late in the ninth inning, setting the stage for dramatic tension.
With two outs and a runner on first base, David Freese faced Neftali Feliz, the Rangers' dominant closer. After a tense at-bat featuring several pitches, Freese drove a hanging curveball deep into right field.
The ball cleared the fence for a walk-off home run, instantly winning Game 6 for St. Louis and forcing a decisive Game 7 in Arlington. This moment shifted the momentum entirely to the Cardinals.
Did You Know?
- David Freese was named World Series MVP after hitting .412 with three home runs in the series.
- This was the first time since 1985 that a team came back from a 3-1 deficit to win the World Series.
- The Cardinals became the first team in MLB history to come back from a 3-0 deficit in the NLCS and then win the World Series.
- Freese's home run was his second of the series, following a crucial two-run homer in Game 4.