Rays clinch AL pennant, set World Series showdown with Brewers

The Tampa Bay Rays captured the American League title by beating the Cleveland Guardians 7-3 in the sixth game of the ALCS, earning a spot in the 2026 World Series. After Richie Palacios' early double set the tone, Junior Caminero hit a dramatic home run that lifted the Rays to a 5-1 advantage. The Guardians answered with two runs, but Yandy Diaz responded with a 416-foot homer to re-establish a four-run cushion.

In the ninth inning, veteran closer Bryan Baker retired Steven Kwan and Jose Ramirez, then secured the final out as Chase DeLauter popped foul, sealing the series. The Rays will now face the Milwaukee Brewers, who swept the NLCS, in a matchup that could deliver each franchise its first championship.