The New York Yankees, who have won the World Series 27 times, have made it back to the final after a long drought since their last win in 2009. They secured their spot by defeating the Cleveland Guardians 2-5, taking the American League Championship Series 4-2.

It was Dominican star Juan Soto who stole the show with a three-run homer in the 10th inning, breaking the 2-2 tie in the game played at Progressive Field in Cleveland. The Yankees now await their World Series opponent, either the Los Angeles Dodgers or their crosstown rivals, the New York Mets.

The Yankees almost took the lead in the first inning, but Gleyber Torres was thrown out at the plate thanks to a great relay from fellow Venezuelan Andrés Giménez after a double from Soto. Despite loading the bases with two outs, Yankees slugger Anthony Rizzo couldn't deliver, flying out to end the inning.  Cleveland struck first in the second inning. With two outs, Bo Naylor hit a double off Yankees' Cuban pitcher Carlos Rodón, allowing his brother Josh Naylor to score from first base, putting the Guardians up 1-0.

Both teams' pitching kept things quiet until the bottom of the fifth, when Steven Kwan hit a single, driving in Giménez from second to give Cleveland a 2-0 lead. However, the Yankees came back in the sixth inning. After Aaron Judge grounded into a double play, Giancarlo Stanton smashed his fifth home run of the postseason, a two-run shot that brought Gleyber Torres home and tied the game at 2-2. 

The game remained tied until the 10th inning. A fielding error by Venezuelan shortstop Brayan Rocchio set the stage for Juan Soto, who blasted a three-run homer off reliever Hunter Gaddis to seal the game.

Carlos Rodón pitched 4.2 innings, allowing two runs and striking out five, but he left without a decision. Luke Weaver (1-0) earned the win after two scoreless innings, while Tanner Bibee had a solid outing for the Guardians, striking out five in 5.2 innings. Gaddis (1-1) took the loss after giving up Soto’s game-winning homer. Now, the Yankees will aim for their 28th title as they return to the World Series for the first time in 15 years!