New York Yankees reach first World Series since 2009

Image source, Reuters

Image caption, Juan Soto's decisive play sent the New York Yankees to the World Series for the first time in 15 years

The New York Yankees booked their place in the World Series for the first time since 2009 by beating the Cleveland Guardians 4-1 in their best-of-seven American League Championship series final.

The Yankees won game five 5-2, with Juan Soto hitting a three-run home run off a fastball from Cleveland pitcher Hunter Gaddis in the 10th inning.

Earlier on, Giancarlo Stanton had hit a two-run homer in the sixth to level the match at 2-2.

"It's the best feeling in the game whenever you win and take your team to the World Series," said Soto. "It's the best feeling you can ever have. That's what we play for.

"We did a really good job since day one. We've been working hard. Now we're the best team in the American League."

The Yankees will face either the Los Angeles Dodgers or the New York Mets in the World Series.

The Dodgers lead their National League series final 3-2 and will host game six on Sunday.