Updated with new picture, information about Freese winning series MVP
The Cardinals will have a "happy flight" home following their efforts tonight.
David Freese hit an early three-run homer and manager Tony La Russa turned again to his brilliant bullpen for seven sturdy innings as the St. Louis Cardinals captured their 18th pennant with a 12-6 victory over the bumbling Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday night.
Freese, a St. Louis native, was named MVP of the National League Championship Series. The Cardinals' third baseman hit .545 during the NLCS. He's got 14 RBI for the post season, matching the Cardinal record for playoff runs batted in set by first baseman Albert Pujols.
Albert Pujols and the wild-card Cardinals took out the heavily favored Phillies in the first round, then dispatched the division-rival Brewers on their own turf in Game 6 of the NL championship series.
Looking for its second title in six seasons, St. Louis opens the World Series at home Wednesday night with ace Chris Carpenter on the mound against the AL champion Texas Rangers.