The Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Cleveland Guardians, 7-3, in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series to secure the American League pennant. This victory sets up a 2026 World Series matchup against the Milwaukee Brewers, who swept the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series.
Tampa Bay entered Game 6 with momentum from a road win in Game 5, which tied the series at two games apiece. The Rays played to a sold-out crowd at Tropicana Field and maintained their offensive pressure throughout the game. Richie Palacios started the scoring in the bottom of the second inning with a two-out double that put the Rays ahead 2-0.
Junior Caminero provided a decisive blow in the bottom of the seventh inning. With the score 3-1 in favor of Tampa Bay, Caminero hit an inside pitch that smacked off the foul pole. The home run extended the Rays' lead to 5-1. Caminero stopped before reaching first base to celebrate with teammates and fans before completing his trip around the bases. The homer appeared to settle the series for Tampa Bay.
The Guardians attempted a comeback in the top of the eighth inning, scoring twice to reduce the deficit to 5-3. However, Yandy Diaz answered with a home run over the left field wall. The source describes this hit as a 416-footer that gave the Rays a four-run lead.
Bryan Baker entered as the closer in the top of the ninth inning to finish the game. He recorded ground outs from Steven Kwan and Jose Ramirez to first base, followed by a foul pop-out from Chase DeLauter to end the game.
This is the Rays' first World Series appearance since the shortened 2020 season. It is also the first World Series appearance for the Brewers in 44 years. Neither franchise has won a World Series title in its history.