Who Won the 2011 World Series? Cardinals vs Rangers

By Sarah Miller · January 27, 2029

The St. Louis Cardinals won the 2011 World Series, defeating the Texas Rangers in seven games. This marked their 11th World Series championship in franchise history, with Game 7 going into extra innings and ending in dramatic fashion.

Overview of the 2011 World Series

The 2011 Major League Baseball (MLB) World Series was one of the most thrilling in recent memory. The St. Louis Cardinals, representing the National League, faced off against the Texas Rangers, American League champions, in a hard-fought seven-game series that concluded on October 28, 2011.

Key Highlights

The series went the full seven games, showcasing intense competition.
Game 6 is widely regarded as one of the most dramatic in baseball history.
The Cardinals clinched the title with a 6-2 victory in Game 7 at Busch Stadium.
David Freese was named World Series MVP after an outstanding performance, especially in Games 6 and 7.

Path to the Championship

Both teams had compelling journeys to the Fall Classic:

St. Louis Cardinals

Finished the regular season with a 90-72 record.
Won the NL Wild Card after a remarkable September comeback.
Defeated the Philadelphia Phillies in the NLDS (3-2) and the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLCS (4-2).

Texas Rangers

Posted a 96-66 record, winning their second consecutive AL West title.
Beat the Tampa Bay Rays in the ALDS (3-1) and the Detroit Tigers in the ALCS (4-2).
Appeared in their second straight World Series, seeking their first championship.

Dramatic Moments: Game 6 and Beyond

Game 6 of the 2011 World Series is legendary for its back-and-forth action. The Rangers were one strike away from winning the championship twice, but the Cardinals rallied both times.

Critical Turning Points

In the 9th inning, Lance Berkman hit a game-tying RBI single with two outs.
David Freese then delivered a triple to tie the game again in the 10th inning.
Freese won it in the 11th with a walk-off home run, forcing Game 7.
The momentum shift proved decisive, as the Cardinals dominated Game 7.

Statistic	St. Louis Cardinals	Texas Rangers
Regular Season Wins	90	96
World Series Games Won	4	3
Home Runs (Series)	9	5
Batting Average (Team)	.273	.241
David Freese RBIs	14	-
Extra Base Hits	16	11

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows the Cardinals outperformed the Rangers in key offensive categories despite having fewer regular-season wins. Their team batting average and extra-base hit totals reflect superior clutch hitting during the series. David Freese's 14 RBIs were instrumental in overcoming the Rangers' strong pitching and defense.

Legacy of the 2011 World Series

The 2011 World Series is remembered not only for its outcome but for its emotional narrative. The Cardinals dedicated their season to fallen teammate Oscar Taveras and played with resilience throughout the playoffs. The series also highlighted the unpredictability of postseason baseball, where momentum can shift instantly.

Impact on Both Franchises

The Cardinals added their 11th title, reinforcing their status as one of MLB’s most successful franchises.
The Rangers remained without a championship until they won in 2023.
David Freese became a St. Louis icon and was later honored with a statue at Ballpark Village.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2011 World Series

Who won the 2011 World Series?

The St. Louis Cardinals won the 2011 World Series by defeating the Texas Rangers in seven games. They secured the title with a 6-2 win in Game 7 at Busch Stadium.

What was so special about Game 6 of the 2011 World Series?

Game 6 featured two dramatic comebacks by the Cardinals, who were down to their final strike twice. David Freese hit a game-tying triple in the 9th and a walk-off home run in the 11th, making it one of the most memorable games in MLB history.

Who was named MVP of the 2011 World Series?

David Freese was named the 2011 World Series MVP after batting .348 with 7 RBIs in Game 6 alone and finishing the series with 14 RBIs overall. His performance under pressure was pivotal.

How many World Series titles do the St. Louis Cardinals have?

As of 2025, the St. Louis Cardinals have won 11 World Series championships, the most among National League teams. Their last title before 2011 was in 2006.

Did the Texas Rangers ever win a World Series?

Yes, the Texas Rangers won their first World Series in 2023 by defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks. Prior to that, they lost in the 2010 and 2011 World Series.