David Freese, Cardinals Force First World Series Game 7 Since 2002

David Freese. David freaking Freese. We’ve never changed the title of the website here in nearly five years of operation, but it felt like the appropriate way to honor the man for his incredible performance in Game 6.

Freese clutched up in the bottom of the 9th inning with a two-run triple to tie the game at 7. Nelson Cruz slowed as he neared the right field wall and the ball went over his and off the wall. We still wonder if Cruz could have made the catch if he went balls to the wall, but he slowed to avoid a crash. It cost Texas.

In the 10th, after a gimpy Josh Hamilton hit his first home run of the series — a two-run shot to go up 9-7 — Lance Berkman delivered a two-run single to tie the game.

Then facing Mark Lowe in the bottom of the 11th (seriously, who is Mark Lowe and why was he pitching in the World Series?), Freese had a full count and blasted a walk-off shot to straightaway center field. It was a magical moment.

Have you ever batted in the bottom of the 9th with the game on the line? Have you ever batted with your team’s season on the line? How about being down to one strike with the World Series on the line? David Freese did it all, and he delivered. One of the most clutch baseball performances I’ve ever seen. I still love what Scott Spiezio and the Angels did to rally in ’02, but Freese’s performance was awesome.

Freese donated his bat and jersey from the game to the Hall of Fame. That jersey, by the way, was ripped to shreds by his teammates:

Baseball is beautiful.

Pic via Mark Kriegel
Photo Credit: Jeff Curry-US PRESSWIRE