Rays Clinch World Series Berth, Will Face Brewers
Tampa Bay defeats Cleveland in Game 6 to set up a Fall Classic matchup with Milwaukee.
The 2026 World Series matchup is set, with the Tampa Bay Rays advancing after defeating the Cleveland Guardians 7-3 in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series. The Rays will now face the Milwaukee Brewers in the Fall Classic.
The Rays secured their spot at their home ballpark, Tropicana Field, in front of a sold-out crowd. They took an early 2-0 lead in the bottom of the second inning with a two-out double by Richie Palacios. The lead extended to 5-1 in the seventh inning when Junior Caminero hit a two-run home run that struck the foul pole, a crucial blow against the Guardians.
Cleveland mounted a brief comeback in the following inning, scoring two runs to narrow the gap to 5-3. However, Yandy Diaz quickly responded for Tampa Bay with a solo home run to re-establish a four-run lead.
Closer Bryan Baker closed out the game in the top of the ninth, retiring the Guardians in order to clinch the American League pennant. This marks the Rays' first World Series appearance since the 2020 season.
The Milwaukee Brewers earned their place in the World Series after sweeping the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series. This is the Brewers' first World Series appearance in 44 years. Both the Rays and Brewers are seeking their first-ever World Series title.