Left behind in the postseason race, the St. Louis Cardinals decided to focus on small goals in September. Now, the ultimate one is within reach. The Cardinals' wild ride is headed to the World Series. "It's kind of surreal that we're here," said third baseman David Freese, who took MVP honors in the series. "But this team deserves what we've been rewarded." Freese hit a three-run homer in the first inning and manager Tony La Russa again turned to his brilliant bullpen for seven sturdy innings as St. Louis captured its 18th pennant with a 12-6 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday night.
