Updated

The Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Cleveland Guardians 7-3 in ALCS Game 6 on October 19, 2026, clinching the American League pennant and advancing to the World Series for the third time in franchise history to face the Milwaukee Brewers. Pitcher Freddy Peralta, who struggled during a prior stint with the Mets, has been a key factor in the Rays' turnaround this postseason. Cleveland's run ended despite a bold go-for-it approach at the August trade deadline that had revitalized the Guardians' season and carried them deep into October. The Rays will now prepare for the Fall Classic against Milwaukee.