The New York Yankees secure their first World Series berth since 2009

CNN
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The New York Yankees are in the World Series for the first time since 2009 after defeating the Cleveland Guardians 5-2 in extra inning in Game 5 of the AL Championship Series on Saturday.

A dramatic game-winning home run by Giancarlo Stanton Giancarlo Stanton in the sixth inning and a go-ahead three-run blast by Juan Soto in the 10th inning brought the Yankees back to the Fall Classic.

With the win, the Yankees secured their 41st World Series appearance, marking a return to the Fall Classic after a 15-year absence as they won their 27th championship.

Soto, who struck the decisive blow, called the opportunity to send his team to the World Series “the best feeling you could ever have.”

“This is what we play for, this is what we came for from day one, we worked hard every day, we are here and we did it,” Soto said after the game. “We have all the talent we need to go all the way. We’re feeling really good at the moment.”

The Yankees now await the winner of the NLCS between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Mets. The Dodgers hold a 3-2 lead heading into Game 6 on Sunday in Los Angeles.

Cleveland took an early 2-0 lead in Game 5, with Guardians starter Tanner Bibee keeping the Yankees' offense in check. Bibee pitched a shutout over 5 2/3 innings, retiring 12 of 13 batters in the sixth inning.

However, when faced with the heart of the Yankees order, as Gleyber Torres and Soto hit consecutive singles, fatigue began to show.

After Aaron Judge hit a double play, the Yankees' rally appeared to be wiped out.

But Giancarlo Stanton had other plans. Down to his final hit with two outs, Stanton blasted a 446-foot moonshot to center field, tying the game 2-2 with his 16th home run of the season.

Stanton's shot, which reached 117.5 mph straight away, moved him past Babe Ruth and Judge for the fourth-most postseason home runs in franchise history. His four home runs in the ALCS earned him series MVP honors.

In the 10th inning, catcher Austin Wells got the Yankees' offense going by drawing a full-count walk against Guardians reliever Hunter Gaddis. Moments later, Alex Verdugo came up to bat and hit a double, but shortstop Brayan Rocchio dropped him, leaving both runners safe.

A strikeout by Gleyber Torres was followed by big offseason signing Soto, who was traded from the San Diego Padres to the Yankees in a seven-player transfer in December.

With the score at 1-2, Soto fought through a seven-pitch attack before hitting a three-run home run to secure the win for the Yankees. The superstar outfielder celebrated at first base, pounding his chest as he looked toward his team's dugout before rounding the bases.

Yankees closer Luke Weaver, who blew the save in Game 3, returned the favor by striking out four batters and ending the Guardians' hopes of a comeback.

The Yankees now prepare for the World Series, with Game 1 scheduled for Friday, October 25, as they attempt to capture their 28th title in franchise history.