Rays heading to World Series after Game 6 win against Guardians
Junior Caminero #13 of the Tampa Bay Rays celebrates hitting a two-run home run in the seventh inning during Game Six of the American League Championship Series between the Cleveland Guardians and the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on Monday, Octo
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The Tampa Bay Rays will return to the World Series after winning 7-3 against the Cleveland Guardians in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series on Monday night.
Rays ALCS Game 6 pennant win
Big picture view:
The Rays took a 3-2 series lead with a 3-1 victory over Cleveland in Game 5 on Sunday. And now, Tampa Bay has clinched its third American League pennant and will advance to the World Series with the Game 6 win at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg.
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This win comes on the anniversary of the Rays winning their first-ever American League pennant in 2008 — 18 years ago.
A sellout crowd of more than 40,000 fans waved yellow-and-blue rally towels, rang cowbells and chanted "Let's Go Rays!" throughout the night at the Trop — which needed major renovations after Hurricane Milton shredded the roof two years ago. This was the team's first season back at the Trop since those renovations were completed and with a new ownership group.
Key takeaways from Game 6
By the numbers:
Pitcher Freddy Peralta delivered 5 1/3 gritty innings, supported by two-run home runs from Junior Caminero and Yandy Díaz to punch Tampa Bay's ticket to its third World Series appearance in 29 seasons. The loss ended Cleveland's hopes of ending its 78-year championship drought.
What this means for the Rays
Why you should care:
Coming off this win, the Rays secured their first World Series appearance since 2020. The Milwaukee Brewers were waiting for the winner of the ALCS after sweeping the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series.
This is the first time since 1980 that both teams in the World Series will be seeking their first title. Last time that happened was when the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Kansas City Royals.
When does the World Series start?
What's next:
Game 1 of the World Series will be Friday night in Milwaukee.
The Source: The information in this story was gathered from the Tampa Bay Rays, stadium logistics information published by Tropicana Field management and Major League Baseball postseason schedule updates. The Associated Press also contributed to this report.