Oct. 20 (UPI) -- Richie Palacios plated the first two runs of Game 6 before the Tampa Bay Rays piled on to beat the Cleveland Guardians in the 2026 American League Championship Series finale.
With the 7-3 triumph Monday in St. Petersburg, Fla., the Rays clinched the best-of-seven game series and earned a berth in the 2026 World Series. They will meet the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 1 on Friday in Milwaukee.
"I think you've got to enjoy the moment," Rays manager Kevin Cash told reporters. "It's easy to appreciate what we're getting ready to go do next and the challenges that lie ahead. That's a great team.
"But for tonight, more appreciate the guys you go to work with on a daily basis and realize what has just been accomplished."
Rays starter Freddy Peralta, who allowed just five hits and one run over 5 1/3 innings in Game 6, earned 2026 ALCS MVP honors. Designated hitter Yandy Diaz and third baseman Junior Caminero each smacked two-run homers for the Rays.
"This is unbelievable," Peralta said. "I think I have to see it when I go home and start thinking about it, because I am still in shock. I don't believe it."
Second baseman Richie Palacios drove in the first two runs of Game 6 with a double to right field in the second inning. Center fielder Jonny DeLuca gave the Rays a 3-0 lead with an RBI sacrifice fly in the third. Guardians first baseman Nathaniel Lowe tightened the score with an RBI single in the sixth.
Caminero answered with a 346-foot, two-run shot in the seventh. The Guardians scored twice in the top of the eight, but Diaz dotted a 416-foot, two-run homer to left field in the bottom of the frame.
Caminero and Palacios recored two hits apiece for the Rays. Lowe and right fielder Chase DeLauter logged two hits apiece for the Guardians. The Guardians sent eight pitchers to the mound in the bullpen outing. They surrendered seven hits and seven runs, with six walks and three strikeouts.
First pitch of Game 1 is set for 8 p.m. EDT Friday in Milwaukee. The Brewers also will host Game 2 on Saturday at American Family Field. The series will shift to St. Petersburg on Monday and Tuesday for Game 3 and Game 4, respectively.