Final Score: St. Louis 12, Milwaukee 6

Milwaukee, WI (Sports Network) - David Freese smacked a three-run homer in the first inning, Rafael Furcal added a solo shot in the second, and Albert Pujols homered during a four-run third. With a chance to secure a berth in the World Series, St. Louis didn't waste any time. The Cardinals scored nine runs in the first three innings Sunday to beat Milwaukee, 12-6, in Game 6 of the National League Championship Series and win their first pennant in five years. Freese finished with three hits and was named Most Valuable Player of the series. He totaled 12 hits during the NLCS, including three homers. His opening-inning shot opened the floodgates for St. Louis, which chased Brewers starter Shaun Marcum after one inning and forced Marcum's replacement, Chris Narveson, out of the game after 1 2/3 frames. The Cardinals sneaked into the playoffs as the wild card but are now headed to contend for the 11th World Series title in team history. They will face the AL-champion Texas Rangers in Game 1 of the Fall Classic on Wednesday.

10/17 00:59:30 ET