Browns' defense has been solid. San Francisco offense has scored lots of points, with help from the defense and special teams.

Joshua Gunter, The Plain DealerBrowns middle linebacker D'Qwell Jackson (left) and cornerback Joe Haden (right) celebrate after Haden's pass breakup all but clinched Cleveland's 6-3 win over Seattle last Sunday.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns have surprised most observers with their solid defensive play during the first six games of the 2011 season.

The Browns defense, with Dick Jauron in his first season as the coordinator, ranks fourth in the NFL, allowing just 291 yards per game. Remarkably, the top three teams are the Browns' AFC North rivals: the Baltimore Ravens (272.7), Cincinnati Bengals (278.5) and Pittsburgh Steelers (279.0).

The Browns (3-3) rank ninth in the league in fewest points allowed per game: 20.0. That, despite Cleveland's special teams allowing a number of big plays to opponents, thus hurting the Browns in the points allowed category.

Baltimore (13.8), Pittsburgh (17.4) and Cincinnati (18.5) stand first, third and fourth, respectively, in fewest points allowed per game.

The Browns will play the 49ers (5-1) in San Francisco on Sunday.

San Francisco has allowed the second fewset points per game (16.2). This poll, though, is about the Browns' defense against the 49ers' offense.

San Francisco ranks 29th among the NFL's 32 offenses, gaining 302.5 yards per game.

Yet, the 49ers are fifth in the league in points per game: 27.8. A primary reason for the scoring bonanza includes the favorable field position the 49ers offense often inherits thanks to the defense and/or special teams. And, the three touchdowns put on the board by the defense (one) and by punt/kickoff returner Ted Ginn, Jr. (two) of Cleveland Glenville High School and Ohio State.

Don't forget that when the 49ers' offense has stalled, David Akers has made 13 of 15 field goal attempts.

So, how many points will the Browns defense give up to the 49ers offense (including Akers' field goals), not counting special teams or defensive touchdowns.

Progress? NBA players and owners met for over 15 hours and will meet again today at 2 p.m.

APDavid Stern

To no surprise, the Ohio State Buckeyes are the favorites to win the Big Ten.

APOhio State's Jared Sullinger.

Ohio State's Samantha Prahalis shares preseason honor.

OSU

Staff reports 

Park Ridge, Ill. – The Big Ten announced on Thursday that Ohio State’s Samantha Prahalis and Penn State’s Alex Bentley shared conference Preseason Player of the Year accolades from the coaches, while Bentley earned the nod from a selected media panel. Penn State was selected as the preseason favorite by both the coaches and media.

Prahalis was a second-team All-Big Ten selection a season ago and led the conference in assists, guiding the Buckeyes to the third round of the NCAA Tournament. With Prahalis at the point, the Buckeyes won 24 games and claimed their third straight Big Ten Tournament title.

Bentley was chosen as a first-team All-Big Ten performer as a sophomore as she led the Lady Lions to a 25-win campaign and the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The Penn State guard was the lone unanimous selection to the coaches’ Preseason All-Big Ten squad.

Both the coaches and media selected identical Preseason All-Big Ten squads. In addition to Bentley and Prahalis, Illinois’ Karisma Penn, Iowa’s Jaime Printy and Michigan State’s Lykendra Johnson were selected as members of the coaches’ and media’s preseason teams.

Swingman agrees to a deal with a Spanish side; Casspi still in negotiations

Cleveland Cavalier Christian Eyenga has agreed to a deal that allows him to play in Spain until the NBA lockout ends.

Are the Browns contenders, pretenders or neither? This week on "Browns Insider," join Dennis Manoloff and Mary Kay Cabot along with Tony Grossi in Berea as they answer that question and preview Sunday's game against the 49ers. Watch video

This week on "Browns Insider," Tony Grossi, Mary Kay Cabot and Dennis Manoloff talked about the Browns as they get ready for San Francisco. They also revisited the Browns' win over the Seahawks and tackled your chat room questions and comments.

Click on play to watch the "Browns Insider" team discuss:

- Are the Browns contenders or pretenders?

- How will the Browns use Peyton Hillis and Montario Hardesty on Sunday?

- What do the Browns need to do to get Colt McCoy and the offense off to a better start?

- Do the Browns have an elite defense?

- How good are the 49ers?

- plus picks and a whole lot more.

Got a video question for next week's show? E-mail it to us here or Skype clevelanddotcom every Tuesday from 10-11 a.m.

Adams says Browns' defensive coordinator brings consistency and knows how to use his players. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Welcome to today's special edition of Starting Blocks TV, hosted by Chuck Yarborough and Branson Wright.

Chuck and Branson talk to Cleveland Browns safety Mike Adams about the Browns and the Power Rangers. Yes, those Power Rangers.

Adams also talks about his relationship with defensive coordinator Dick Jauron, whom Adams praises as someone easy to play for because he has the same demeanor every day and adjusts his scheme to his personnel.

Adams also has plenty of praise for second-year players T.J. Ward and Joe Haden.

As part of his Rising Stars Foundation, Adams and several Browns players will be taking part in a charity event from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 31 at Champs in Crocker Park at 12 Main Street in Westlake. There will also be a youth costume contest for the best Browns' player costume. A $10 donation includes 1 raffle ticket (or 2 for $15) for a chance to win prizes.

SBTV returns Friday with Browns beat writer Tony Grossi answering fan questions from his weekly Hey, Tony! feature.

And remember to catch this week's Browns Insider show that streamed live today at 10 a.m. and is available on archive now.

"I like the idea of Mitchell getting some playing time. If he's fast enough to get separation, it could be a much-needed jolt to the offense. Send him long a couple times early and, if you connect on one, it changes things for Hillis in a positive way for a change." - pezgallo

View full sizeLisa DeJong | The Plain DealerCarlton Mitchell.

In response to the story Back at practice, Scott Fujita 'couldn't be happier' with concussion treatment: Browns Insider, cleveland.com reader pezgallo hopes Carlton Mitchell can spread the field a bit. This reader writes,

"I like the idea of Mitchell getting some playing time. If he's fast enough to get separation, it could be a much-needed jolt to the offense. Send him long a couple times early and, if you connect on one, it changes things for Hillis in a positive way for a change."

Coach Pat Shurmur is hopeful Hillis can still play Sunday in San Francisco.

John Kuntz, The Plain DealerDespite missing Thursday's practice, the Browns and Peyton Hillis are hopeful this scene won't be repeated Sunday in San Francisco.

BEREA -- The beat goes on for Browns running back Peyton Hillis. He will miss practice today with a sore hamstring after he had limited work in Wednesday's practice.

 Coach Pat Shurmur said he was still hopeful Hillis would be active Sunday in San Francisco against the 49ers.

 On Wednesday, Hillis talked of the "humbling" season he has endured and said there was still time for him to make something of it.

 "I talked to him this morning. I think he's hanging in there, taking this thing day to day, trying to get healthy. I don't sense frustration," Shurmur said.

 In other injury news, Shurmur said kicker Phil Dawson (thigh) would kick today and guard Shawn Lauvao (knee) would practice today, but receiver Mohamed Massaquoi (concussion) and tight end Ben Watson (concussion) would miss their second day in a row.

 On other topics:

 * Shurmur said he still expects wide receiver Carlton Mitchell to be active on Sunday.

 * In answer to a question, Shurmur said, "We're not pursuing" free agent receiver Terrell Owens.

 * The coach wouldn't make a prediction on tonight's battle between the freshman teams of high school rivals St. Edward and St. Ignatius. Shurmur's son Kyle (St. Edward) and owner Randy Lerner's son Max (St. Ignatius) are competing quarterbacks in the game. "I hope there's a lot of points scored," Shurmur said.

"If it wasn't for the everyday worker who is being hurt by this lockout, I'd say screw 'em all. Shut it down for the year. Maybe when both sides lose their shirts, they'll get a clue that people can live without their game. Maybe when people stop buying tickets for a while, they'll realize that they are pretty low on the totem pole of importance." - texasmike

View full sizeFrank Franklin II | Associated PressBilly Hunter, executive director of the NBA players union.

In response to the story NBA lockout 2011: Talks resume; representatives of owners and players work into the night, cleveland.com reader texasmike thinks both sides could learn from missing games . This reader writes,

"If it wasn't for the everyday worker who is being hurt by this lockout, I'd say screw 'em all. Shut it down for the year. Maybe when both sides lose their shirts, they'll get a clue that people can live without their game. Maybe when people stop buying tickets for a while, they'll realize that they are pretty low on the totem pole of importance."

Asdrubal Cabrera is the first Indians shortstop to be named a Sporting News All-Star since Lou Boudreau in 1948.

Chuck Crow, The Plain DealerShortstop Asdrubal Cabrera clears Chicago's Carlos Quentin while turning a double play against the White Sox.

ST. LOUIS, Mo. -- The Sporting News has named Asdrubal Cabrera as its American League All-Star shortstop for the 2011 season. The team was announced today.

Cabrera is the first Indians shortstop to make the team since Lou Boudreau won the AL MVP award in 1948. That was the last time the Indians won a World Series, so it's been a while. For the curious,  Omar Vizquel never won the award while playing with the Indians. He kept getting aced out by Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and Nomar Garciaparra.

Cliff Lee and Grady Sizemore were the last Indians to make TSN's All-Star team in 2008.

Cabrera was the engine that drove the Tribe's offense to 80 victories last season. He hit .273 (165-for-604) with 87 runs, 32 doubles, three triples, 25 homers and 92 RBI. Cabrera's 25 homers set a franchise record for shortstops and his 92 RBI were the most since Boudreau drove in 106 in 1948.

The power Cabrera showed was a shock. He came into the 2011 season with 18 homers in his career. He credited a tip from teammate Orlando Cabrera in spring training for his power surge. Orlando Cabrera told him that if he got a pitch to drive, drive it. Until last season. Asdrubal Cabrera was content to slap the ball and hit for average.

The 25 homers were the most ever hit in one season by a Venezuelan born shortstop.

Cabrera hit three homers in 2010 after missing about five weeks with a broken left forearm. The 22-homer increase over consecutive seasons was the second biggest in franchise history since Ed Morgan went from two to 26 homers from 1929 to 1930.

The 25-year-old switch-hitter set career highs in hits, runs, doubles, homers, RBI, games and OPS. He was the AL's starting shortstop at the All-Star game in Phoenix, Ariz., after Jeter bowed out because of injuries.

Cabrera is one of at least seven Indians eligible for arbitration this winter.
 

The Buckeyes hope to have a balanced attack on Saturday.

APOhio State head coach Luke Fickell, left, watches quarterback Braxton Miller (5).

Bill Rabinowitz of The Columbus Dispatch writes how the Buckeyes need to do something about their passing game.

The Buckeyes do believe, Rabinowitz writes, they can have a balanced offense on Saturday when they play No.12 Wisconsin in Ohio Stadium.

Really. We're talking about a team that had four completed passes against Miami, six completed passes against Nebraska, and one completed pass (and OSU won) against Illinois.

 “That’s a really good football team that we’re playing,” Ohio State offensive coordinator Jim Bollman said of the Badgers. “You’ve got to go in there with the idea that you’ve got to throw the ball around some. You’ve got to have some balance, no question about it.”

Coach Luke Fickell said Ohio State spent a good chunk of its time during the off week working on the passing game. It’s not as if the Buckeyes are going to reveal many details, but suffice to say that they’re pleased with the progress freshman quarterback Braxton Miller and his young receivers have shown.

Still, given the weak passing game, skeptics have reason to doubt, writes Rabinowitz.

And they should.

“We think we’re seeing a lot of growth,” Fickell said. “We really do. (But) until it shows up on Saturday afternoon or Saturday night, it’s still just talk.”

Around the Horseshoe

Toledo Blade reporter Matt Markey's Ohio State notes.

Believe it or not, coach Luke Fickell isn't thinking about his job status.

Check out Doug Lesmerises' Ohio State Buckeyes insider.

Ohio State wants fans to go "scarlet-out" on Saturday.

See a thumbnail gallery of this week's Players of the Week.

See a thumbnail gallery of this week's Players of the Week.

Adam Coberly, Hudson
Sport: Football
Class: Junior
Age: 16
Ht: 6-2
Wt: 175

What Adam did last week: In a 27-21 win over Elyria that clinched at least a title tie in the Northeast Ohio Conference River Division, defensive end had four sacks, two quarterback pressures, one fumble recovery and a tackle for loss. Also had two first hits and a solo tackle.

About Adam: Member of National Honor Society and Key Club. Most don't know he has double-jointed toes. Favorites include "Pulp Fiction" movie, hudson.edu website, P.F. Chang's restaurant and physics class.

Jake Schaefer, Holy Name
Sport: Football
Class: Senior
Age: 18
Ht: 6-1
Wt: 190

What Jake did last week: Quarterback went 11-of-15 passing for 277 yards and five touchdowns in a 46-21 win against Villa Angela-St. Joseph. Ran five times for 34 yards as team won its fifth straight game.

About Jake: Also plays basketball and is a member of campus ministry. Wants to major in criminal justice. Favorites include the Michigan Wolverines, "Shooter" movie, "Tom and Jerry" TV show, facebook.com, Applebee's restaurant and math class. Best place visited was the Rose Bowl.

Laney Haviland, Olmsted Falls
Sport: Soccer
Class: Sophomore
Age: 15
Ht: 5-1

What Laney did last week: Midfielder scored three goals and had an assist in 5-1 sectional semifinal win against Elyria. In 1-0 sectional final win against Avon Lake, converted a penalty kick.

About Laney: Enjoys dancing, painting and volunteering. Favorites include Barcelona soccer team, "(500) Days of Summer" movie, "Criminal Minds" TV show, Twitter.com, "The Notebook" book, Shinto restaurant, Forever 21 clothes and history class. Would like to participate in a foreign exchange program.

Mikayla Zernic, Mayfield
Sport: Volleyball
Class: Senior
Age: 17
Ht: 5-9

What Mikayla did last week: Setter helped the Wildcats win two matches as she totaled 62 assists, went 29-for-32 jump-serving with five aces and 22 service points. Has 735 assists this season to rank 11th in the state for career assists with 2,488.

About Mikayla: Member of National Honor Society, Key Club and yearbook staff. Enjoys skiing. Will play volleyball at Wheeling Jesuit. Favorites include "Pump up the Jam" song, "Mario Kart" video game, patty melts and government class. Wants to visit Hawaii.

Nick Jackosky, Lakewood
Sport: Cross country
Class: Senior
Age: 17
Ht: 6-4
Wt: 150

What Nick did last week: Won the Division I district at Lorain County Community College in 16:45. Has won four of his past five races.

About Nick: Enjoys biking and swimming. Always changes socks three times before a race. Favorites include the Dallas Mavericks, "Simon Birch" movie, "Burn Notice" TV show, singer Corey Hart, peanut butter sandwiches, Red Robin restaurant and government class. Wants to visit Disney World. Would like to try scuba diving.

Coaches' nominations for Players of the Week will be taken Mondays between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. The toll-free number for coaches to call for the seven-county coverage area is 1-800-388-4370.

CineSport's Brian Clark previews Saturday's UW-OSU game with Doug Lesmerises of the Cleveland Plain Dealer and Jeff Potrykus of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

View full sizeAP Photo | Al GoldisWisconsin lost a heartbreaker on Saturday against Michigan State.

Wisconsin is trying to bounce back from their first loss on Saturday. Meanwhile, Ohio State is looking to build on their win from two weeks ago as they try to stay in contention in the Big Ten.

CineSport's Brian Clark previews Saturday's UW-OSU game with Doug Lesmerises of the Cleveland Plain Dealer and Jeff Potrykus of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

For more Cinesport video on cleveland.com, go here.

The NCAA approves spending money for athletes.

AP photoNCAA president Mark Emmert.

"It's always a gamble, of course, but I'd like to see the Tribe lock Astro up for five more years. Dude is coming into his own as a thumper." - sonnynono

View full sizeChuck Crow | The Plain DealerAsdrubal Cabrera had a breakout year in 2011.

In response to the story Sporting News names Asdrubal Cabrera to AL All-Star team at shortstop, cleveland.com reader sonnynono thinks the Indians have to lock up Asdrubal Cabrera. This reader writes,

"It's always a gamble, of course, but I'd like to see the Tribe lock Astro up for five more years. Dude is coming into his own as a thumper."

"Looking forward to Hillis and Hardesty out there. I wonder if Ogbonnaya will get some playing time on passing downs. He's quick catching balls out of the backfield." - BFanJcar

View full sizeMike Cardew | Akron Beacon Journal | MCTChris Ogbonnaya made his Browns' debut on Sunday.

In response to the story Peyton Hillis calls season 'humbling,' but he's eager to rejoin Cleveland Browns' starting lineup vs. 49ers, cleveland.com reader BFanJcar likes the Browns running back group when healthy. This reader writes,

"Looking forward to Hillis and Hardesty out there. I wonder if Ogbonnaya will get some playing time on passing downs. He's quick catching balls out of the backfield."

The Browns already lack playmaking wide receivers, and they could be without one of their better ones against San Francisco. More Browns links.

John Kuntz, The Plain DealerBrowns wide receiver Jordan Norwood, pictured here during training camp, has caught two passes for 25 yards this season.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns began the season with a group of young, unaccomplished (at the NFL level) wide receivers.

The situation is even more urgent now, given that the wideout who has made an occasional big play -- Mohamed Massaquoi -- is questionable for Sunday's game at San Francisco against the 49ers. He suffered a concussion during Cleveland's 6-3 win over the Seattle Seahawks last Sunday.

Carlton Mitchell might get the chance to catch some Colt McCoy passes. Craig Lyndall writes for WaitingForNextYear.com that the Browns might as well find out what they have at the end of the wide receiver depth chart and, he writes:

In addition to Mitchell, I would hope as the passing game continues to struggle that we would eventually also get a look at Jordan Norwood. As I said in the comments yesterday, I know Jordan Norwood is just a little guy, but he is probably also the fastest and quickest of the receivers. In training camp, he was getting open while people were touting him as a faster version of Chansi Stuckey. Of course, being who I am, I was dreaming about him becoming a Wes Welker for the Browns, which obviously hasn’t happened up to this point.

It just seems to me as this passing game continues to struggle that the Browns would want to continue through the process of seeing what everyone on the roster can (and can’t) do. Also, as McCoy struggles against gameplans that always (ALWAYS!) include blitzing early and often, it seems to me that someone like Jordan Norwood would be a good candidate to steal reps from Josh Cribbs even. If the Browns can’t get open and the defense is blitzing like crazy, wouldn’t you want your fastest, quickest cutting guy to be on the field so he could get open right away on slants and crosses?

Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Browns coverage includes Tony Grossi's report that running back Peyton Hillis missed practice today with a sore hamstring; a Starting Blocks poll on the Browns-49ers game; Browns safety Mike Adams' interview on Starting Blocks TV; Browns Insider, the weekly video show, this week previewing the Browns-49ers game with Dennis Manoloff, Tony Grossi and Mary Kay Cabot; and, much more.

Goal to goal

Breaking down film on the Browns' field goal protection, on WaitingForNextYear.com. Cleveland had two field goal tries blocked during Sunday's 6-3 win over the Seattle Seahawks.

The Browns' improving defense is getting a boost from its safeties, writes Fred Greetham for Scout.com's Orange and Brown Report.

The Browns remain confident in quarterback Colt McCoy, Steve Doerschuk writes for the Canton Repository.

The Browns' pass blocking vs. the 49ers' pass rush. By Mike Wilkening for ProFootballWeekly.com.

Carlton Mitchell finally gets to play. By Daniel Wolf for the National Football Authority.

The Browns haven't forgot their former wide receiver, Braylon Edwards -- now with the 49ers. By Steve Doerschuk of the Canton Repository.

The 49ers go against the Browns' version of the West Coast offense. By Samuel Lam for the San Francisco 49ers Examiner.

The Browns are preparing to face a rested 49ers team. By Matt Florjancic for clevelandbrowns.com.

Transcript of coach Pat Shurmur's Thursday pre-practice press conference, on clevelandbrowns.com.

Transcript of defensive coordinator Dick Jauron's Thursday press conference, from the Akron Beacon Journal.

Cleveland Browns Team Report on USAToday.com.

Do you invest another $9 million in Sizemore, who has missed more games in the past three years than he has played?

View full sizeChuck Crow, The Plain DealerIn the past three seasons, Grady Sizemore has played 210 games for the Indians . . . missed 276 because of injuries.

Sizemore is now 29, and a free agent.

You are the frugal Tribe with $9 million of an estimated $70 million budget to spend on Sizemore. You already have $13 million committed to Travis Hafner, a player with his own history of injuries. You are expected to gamble $7 million more on Fausto Carmona because you need starting pitchers. Carmona is inconsistent on the mound, but durable in terms of making nearly all of his starts.

That's $20 million on two players whose performance for 2012 is hard to project.

Do you invest another $9 million in Sizemore, who has missed more games in the past three years than he has played?

Remember, you haven't been watching Sizemore come through your farm system. You didn't see him mature into a three-time All-Star (2006-08). He has simply been a very good player on another team who has had five different operations in the past three years -- including major microfracture knee surgery.

Would there be a serious debate in the Tribe front office about giving Sizemore the $9 million if he had not played so well for them in the past?

The Indians often say when it comes to signing a player, make sure you are paying him for what he WILL do, not simply what he has done in the past.

In the past three seasons, Sizemore has played 210 games . . . missed 276.

His batting average in those 210 games is .235 with 28 homers and 109 RBI.

In 835 at-bats, he has fanned 212 times and walked 87.

The past two seasons, it's 120 strikeouts to only 27 walks.

The knee problems sabotaged his defense, and he didn't steal a base last season. Maybe his quickness that allowed him to average 28 stolen bases a year from 2005-08 will return.

Or maybe not.

Yes, there are three years of asterisks next to all these numbers because of the two knee surgeries, the wrist surgery and the two surgeries for hernias. As Tribe General Manager Chris Antonetti said recently, "The one thing we know is when Grady is healthy, he's been a very productive major-league player."

But IF is the biggest little word in the English language.

In this case, the Tribe has no idea IF Sizemore can stay reasonably healthy.

In 2010, he had the microfracture surgery on the left knee. In 2011, he was on the disabled list three times with the right knee, which had arthroscopic surgery after the season.

Doctors report the latest operation went well, and Sizemore should be ready for spring training.

But what kind of player will he be in 2012? Can he play even 100 games? Who knows?

There are reports that San Francisco may have an interest in Sizemore if the Indians decline his $9 million option, paying him $500,000 and allowing him to be a free agent. Other major-market teams may view Sizemore as a good gamble, because they have money with which to gamble.

That's not the Tribe.

If the Indians put $9 million next to Sizemore's name, that probably ends their serious off-season shopping.

If they hadn't been so attached to Sizemore for so long, would the Indians even be considering this -- especially since Sizemore apparently has no interest in reworking his contract?

Pick up the option or let him go seems to be the stance of his agent.

If that's the case, it is indeed time for the Indians to let Sizemore go.

UPDATED: St. Louis is down to its last strike of the season twice before rallying to beat Texas, 10-9, to force a Game 7 in the World Series.

View full sizeRon T. Ennis, Fort Worth Star-TelegramThe Cardinals' David Freese is welcomed by teammates late Thursday night after his game-winning solo home run in the 11th inning of Game 6 of the World Series at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — The 107th World Series has shown almost every facet of the game. There have been tense one-run games, historic hitting performances, great defense, clutch hitting, a bullpen-phone breakdown, and even a strong pitching performance or two.

So why not an escape from the abyss?

St. Louis, down to its last strike of the season twice, rallied to beat Texas, 10-9, on David Freese's homer in the 11th inning to force a Game 7 in the World Series on Friday night at Busch Stadium.

Freese homered to center field off Mark Lowe. The win went to Jake Westbrook, the former Indian, who pitched the 11th inning.

It's the first time the World Series has gone to a seventh game since 2002 when the Los Angeles Angels beat the San Francisco Giants.

"I know it sounds corny, but we never stopped trying," said manager Tony La Russa. "The dugout was alive even when we were behind."

Trailing, 7-5, in the ninth, Freese tied the score with a two-run, two-out triple off closer Neftali Feliz. Feliz had Freese down in the count, 1-2, when he tripled over Nelson Cruz's head in right field to force extra innings.

View full sizeMCTRangers relief pitcher Neftali Feliz allowed a pair of runs in the ninth inning as the Cardinals tied Game 6.

Feliz had allowed just one run the entire postseason until the ninth.

"We went into the ninth with a 7-5 lead," said Texas manager Ron Washington. "We had the right guys in the right place. They just beat us.

"It's not easy to win a world championship and we found that out tonight."

Lefty Matt Harrison is scheduled to start for the Rangers tonight. La Russa still wouldn't say if he'd start Chris Carpenter on short rest.

"We might roll Jake [Westbrook] back out there," said La Russa.

Josh Hamilton countered with a two-run homer in the 10th to put the Rangers back in front, 9-7.

The Cardinals came back once again. Darren Oliver gave up singles to Daniel Descalso and John Jay to start the inning. Pitcher Kyle Lohse, batting because the Cardinals were out of position players, advanced the runners with a sacrifice bunt. Scott Feldman relieved and gave up an RBI grounder by Ryan Theriot to make it 9-8.

Albert Pujols was intentionally walked and Feldman had Lance Berkman with a 2-2 count when Berkman blooped a single into center to tie it.

"I figured I was in a win-win situation," Berkman said. "If I made an out, it's only one at-bat and would probably be forgotten in a couple of days. If I come through there, it's great."

Freese won it with a leadoff homer off Lowe's 3-2 pitch.

"This game defines what this team is about," Freese said.

View full sizeMCTNelson Cruz can't come up with a two-run triple hit by David Freese in the ninth inning.

He said he went to the plate just trying to get on base.

"The count got to 3-2 and in the back of my mind I knew he had a good change-up," Freese said. "But I'm still looking for the heater. But he shook to the change-up and I got the head of the bat out."

Feliz, looking for his seventh save of the postseason, started the ninth with a strikeout, but Pujols doubled and Berkman walked. He struck out Craig to bring Freese to the plate.

How bad did it look for St. Louis? With two out in the ninth and 10th, La Russa made sure the relievers in the bullpen remembered to thank the fans for supporting them all season.

"So we went from that to celebrating," La Russa said. "That's a big emotional change."

The two teams combined for five errors, three by St. Louis. Matt Holliday was picked off third base with the bases loaded in the sixth. He left the game with a jammed pinky finger on his right hand and might not be able to play in Game 7.

Freese made one of the errors when he dropped Hamilton's routine pop-up to third to start the fifth. Hamilton later came around to score.

"I felt like I was in a circus out there, bouncing balls off my head," Freese said.

The Rangers, making their second straight trip to the World Series, scored three times in the seventh to take a 7-4 lead. Adrian Beltre and Cruz started the inning with homers off Lance Lynn to break a 4-4 tie. Ian Kinsler added an RBI single, but the Rangers bullpen couldn't stop St. Louis.

Lefty Derek Holland, who won Game 4 with 8 1/3 scoreless innings, pitched the Rangers out of a jam in the sixth, but gave up a homer to Allen Craig in the eighth to make it 7-5. Craig replaced the injured Holliday in left field.

Berkman's two-run homer off Colby Lewis in the first gave the Cardinals a 2-1 lead. Ian Kinsler tied with a double off Jaime Garcia in the second.

The Rangers moved to a 4-3 lead with unearned runs in the fourth and fifth innings on errors by Carpenter and Freese. But they stranded five men in the process.

The Cardinals made it 4-4 when Alexi Ogando walked Yadir Molina with the bases loaded in the sixth.

There were two injuries for Texas: Cruz left the game with a strained right groin after his final at-bat in the 11th inning, and Napoli turned his left ankle in the fourth inning, but stayed in the game. Napoli had X-rays after the game and they were negative.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: phoynes@plaind.com, 216-999-5158

On Twitter: @hoynsie