While Nelson Cruz was putting the Rangers on his back in the ALCS, David Freese was the hometown hero for St. Louis, as the Cardinals took down division rival Milwaukee in six games.

Already enjoying a breakout season, Freese, a Missouri native, was a postseason star in 2011. He hit .545 (12-for-22) in the six games, homering in each of the first two games and then again in the Game 6 clincher.

Three of the Cardinals' four victories were blowouts (decided by nine, six and six runs apiece). Brewers outfielder and 2011 NL MVP Award winner Ryan Braun went 8-for-24 (.333) with a homer and six RBIs in the series.

Path to the NLCS
NLDS: Milwaukee over Arizona (3 games to 2); St. Louis over Philadelphia (3 games to 2)?

Managers: Tony La Russa, STL; Ron Roenicke, MIL

MVP: David Freese