The New York Yankees have secured their spot in the World Series for the first time since 2009. They defeated the Cleveland Guardians 5-2 in extra innings of Game 5 of the AL Championship Series on Saturday. The game saw dramatic home runs from Giancarlo Stanton and Juan Soto. Stanton's homer in the sixth inning tied the game, while Soto's three-run blast in the 10th inning sealed the victory. Soto, who joined the Yankees in December from the San Diego Padres, expressed his delight in helping his team reach the Fall Classic. The Yankees now await the winner of the NLCS between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Mets.

The Guardians started strong, taking a 2-0 lead. Their pitcher, Tanner Bibee, kept the Yankees' offense quiet until the sixth inning. Despite Bibee's initial dominance, the Yankees' rally was sparked by back-to-back singles from Gleyber Torres and Soto. Aaron Judge grounded into a double play, but Stanton stepped up. Facing his last strike, Stanton hit a massive home run, tying the game. His home run moved him up in the franchise's postseason history.

In the 10th inning, catcher Austin Wells drew a full-count walk, and a fielding error by the Guardians shortstop kept the rally alive. Soto then came up to bat and hit a three-run homer to win the game. This was the first postseason series-clinching home run in extra innings since Aaron Boone's iconic homer in 2003. The Yankees' closer, Luke Weaver, redeemed himself by shutting down the Guardians in the bottom of the inning.

The Guardians' manager, Stephen Vogt, praised his team's effort despite the loss. The Yankees will now prepare for the World Series, starting on October 25, as they aim for their 28th title.

Yankees Return to World Series After 15 Years

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