Cardinals Advance To World Series

 MILWAUKEE (AP) -- 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.

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.