2011 World Series Game 6 Lineups: A Detailed Look

Oct 31, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 50 views

Let's dive deep into the legendary Game 6 of the 2011 World Series! This game, etched in baseball history, saw the St. Louis Cardinals face off against the Texas Rangers in an epic showdown. A significant aspect of any baseball game, especially one of this magnitude, is the starting lineup. Examining these lineups provides insight into the strategies employed by managers Tony La Russa of the Cardinals and Ron Washington of the Rangers. Understanding who played, and where they were positioned, is crucial to appreciating the game's nuances and the eventual Cardinals victory.

St. Louis Cardinals Lineup

The Cardinals' lineup for Game 6 was a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging stars, all carefully assembled by the legendary Tony La Russa. La Russa, known for his strategic mind and meticulous approach to the game, crafted a lineup designed to exploit the Rangers' pitching and defensive vulnerabilities. Let's break down each player's role and contribution:

Rafael Furcal (SS): Leading off for the Cardinals was Rafael Furcal, a seasoned shortstop known for his speed and ability to get on base. Furcal's role was to set the table for the Cardinals' offense, using his speed to disrupt the pitcher and create scoring opportunities. His presence at the top of the lineup added a dynamic element that kept the Rangers' defense on edge. Furcal's experience in high-pressure situations made him a valuable asset in this crucial game.
Jon Jay (CF): Batting second and playing center field was Jon Jay, a young and promising outfielder with a knack for getting hits. Jay's consistency and ability to handle the bat made him a reliable option in the two-hole. His defensive prowess in center field also provided the Cardinals with solid coverage up the middle. Jay's contributions were essential to the Cardinals' overall success in the series, and his performance in Game 6 was no exception.
Albert Pujols (1B): Arguably the most feared hitter in baseball at the time, Albert Pujols batted third and played first base. Pujols' presence in the lineup was a constant threat to the Rangers' pitching staff. His ability to hit for both power and average made him the focal point of the Cardinals' offense. Every at-bat was a potential game-changer, and the Rangers had to tread carefully when facing him. Pujols' legacy was already cemented, but his performance in the 2011 World Series only added to his legendary status.
Matt Holliday (LF): Batting cleanup and playing left field was Matt Holliday, another powerful hitter in the Cardinals' lineup. Holliday's combination of size and skill made him a formidable presence in the middle of the order. His ability to drive in runs was crucial to the Cardinals' offensive strategy. Holliday's experience and leadership also provided a calming influence in the high-pressure environment of the World Series.
Lance Berkman (RF): Hitting fifth and playing right field was Lance Berkman, a veteran slugger with a proven track record. Berkman's power and ability to get on base made him a valuable asset in the middle of the Cardinals' lineup. His experience in clutch situations was particularly important in a game of this magnitude. Berkman's presence added another layer of depth to the Cardinals' offense, making it difficult for the Rangers to pitch around their star hitters.
David Freese (3B): Batting sixth and playing third base was David Freese, a local hero who would soon become a World Series legend. Freese's performance in Game 6 is forever etched in baseball history, and his presence in the lineup was a testament to his talent and resilience. His ability to come through in clutch situations made him an invaluable asset to the Cardinals. Freese's story is one of perseverance and determination, and his contributions in the 2011 World Series will never be forgotten.
Yadier Molina (C): Hitting seventh and catching was Yadier Molina, one of the best defensive catchers in baseball history. Molina's ability to control the game from behind the plate was crucial to the Cardinals' success. His rapport with the pitching staff and his knowledge of the game were invaluable assets. Molina's defensive skills and leadership made him a cornerstone of the Cardinals' team for many years.
Nick Punto (2B): Batting eighth and playing second base was Nick Punto, a veteran infielder known for his versatility and defensive skills. Punto's role was to provide stability in the infield and contribute with timely hits. His experience and knowledge of the game made him a valuable asset to the Cardinals. Punto's presence in the lineup added depth and flexibility to the Cardinals' roster.
Edwin Jackson (P): Pitching for the Cardinals was Edwin Jackson, a veteran right-hander with a wealth of experience. Jackson's role was to keep the Rangers' offense in check and give the Cardinals a chance to win. His ability to mix his pitches and command the strike zone was crucial to his success. Jackson's performance on the mound was a key factor in the Cardinals' victory.

Texas Rangers Lineup

On the other side, the Texas Rangers, managed by Ron Washington, aimed to stave off elimination with their own carefully constructed lineup. The Rangers' lineup featured a mix of power hitters and speedy baserunners, all designed to put pressure on the Cardinals' pitching staff. Washington's strategy was to capitalize on the Rangers' offensive strengths and exploit any weaknesses in the Cardinals' defense. Let's examine the Rangers' lineup:

Ian Kinsler (2B): Leading off for the Rangers was Ian Kinsler, a dynamic second baseman with a combination of speed and power. Kinsler's role was to ignite the Rangers' offense and set the tone for the game. His ability to get on base and steal bases made him a constant threat to the Cardinals' pitching staff. Kinsler's energy and enthusiasm were infectious, and he played a key role in the Rangers' success.
Elvis Andrus (SS): Batting second and playing shortstop was Elvis Andrus, a young and talented infielder with exceptional defensive skills. Andrus's role was to provide stability in the infield and contribute with timely hits. His speed and athleticism made him a valuable asset on both offense and defense. Andrus's potential was evident, and he quickly became a fan favorite in Texas.
Josh Hamilton (CF): Hitting third and playing center field was Josh Hamilton, a powerful slugger with a captivating backstory. Hamilton's presence in the lineup was a constant source of excitement and anticipation. His ability to hit towering home runs made him one of the most feared hitters in baseball. Hamilton's personal struggles and triumphs resonated with fans, and he became an inspiration to many.
Adrian Beltre (3B): Batting cleanup and playing third base was Adrian Beltre, a veteran infielder with exceptional defensive skills and a knack for hitting. Beltre's role was to provide stability in the infield and drive in runs. His experience and knowledge of the game made him a valuable asset to the Rangers. Beltre's defensive prowess and offensive contributions made him one of the most respected players in the game.
Nelson Cruz (RF): Hitting fifth and playing right field was Nelson Cruz, a powerful outfielder with a knack for hitting home runs. Cruz's role was to provide power and run production in the middle of the Rangers' lineup. His ability to drive the ball out of the park made him a constant threat to opposing pitchers. Cruz's offensive contributions were crucial to the Rangers' success.
Mike Napoli (C): Batting sixth and catching was Mike Napoli, a catcher known for his offensive prowess. Napoli's role was to provide power and run production from the catcher position. His ability to hit home runs and drive in runs made him a valuable asset to the Rangers' lineup. Napoli's offensive contributions were particularly important in a game where every run mattered.
David Murphy (LF): Hitting seventh and playing left field was David Murphy, a versatile outfielder with a knack for getting on base. Murphy's role was to provide a spark in the bottom of the Rangers' lineup and contribute with timely hits. His ability to get on base and create scoring opportunities made him a valuable asset to the Rangers. Murphy's versatility and consistency made him a reliable option for Ron Washington.
Craig Gentry (CF): Batting eighth and playing center field was Craig Gentry, a speedy outfielder known for his defensive skills and base-running ability. Gentry's role was to provide speed and defense in the outfield and create havoc on the basepaths. His ability to steal bases and disrupt the pitcher made him a valuable asset to the Rangers. Gentry's speed and athleticism added a different dimension to the Rangers' lineup.
Colby Lewis (P): Pitching for the Rangers was Colby Lewis, a veteran right-hander with a wealth of experience. Lewis's role was to keep the Cardinals' offense in check and give the Rangers a chance to win. His ability to command the strike zone and mix his pitches was crucial to his success. Lewis's performance on the mound was a key factor in the Rangers' hopes of forcing a Game 7.

Key Takeaways from the Lineups

Analyzing the lineups from the 2011 World Series Game 6 reveals several key strategic decisions made by both managers. Tony La Russa's Cardinals lineup was designed to maximize run production, with a focus on getting on base and driving in runners. The presence of Pujols, Holliday, and Berkman in the middle of the order created a formidable challenge for the Rangers' pitching staff. Ron Washington's Rangers lineup, on the other hand, emphasized power and speed, with a focus on scoring runs quickly and putting pressure on the Cardinals' defense. The presence of Hamilton, Beltre, and Cruz in the middle of the order gave the Rangers a potent offensive attack.

The contrasting styles of the two lineups reflected the different strengths and weaknesses of each team. The Cardinals relied on a balanced approach, with a mix of hitting, defense, and pitching. The Rangers, on the other hand, relied on their offensive firepower to outscore their opponents. Ultimately, the Cardinals' lineup proved to be more effective in Game 6, as they were able to score enough runs to secure the victory and force a Game 7.

The 2011 World Series Game 6 is remembered as one of the greatest games in baseball history, and the lineups played a crucial role in the drama and excitement of the contest. The strategic decisions made by La Russa and Washington, as well as the performances of the players on the field, contributed to the game's legendary status. The lineups serve as a reminder of the importance of strategic planning and player execution in the game of baseball.

Conclusion

The lineups for the 2011 World Series Game 6 offer a fascinating glimpse into the strategic thinking of two of the game's most respected managers. The Cardinals' lineup, with its blend of experience and youth, ultimately proved to be the winning formula. The Rangers' lineup, while potent, was unable to overcome the Cardinals' resilience and determination. The game itself is a testament to the unpredictable nature of baseball and the enduring power of the human spirit. Understanding the lineups and the strategies behind them enhances our appreciation for this classic game and the players who made it so memorable. So next time you think about this game, remember the names, remember the positions, and remember the impact each player had on that fateful night. It's more than just a game; it's a piece of baseball history!