Rays Clinch Pennant to Face Brewers in World Series

The Rays won ALCS Game 6 Monday night to clinch the AL pennant, setting a Rays-Brewers World Series that guarantees a first-time champion.

The Morning Brief Desk · October 20, 2026 · Based on reporting by NPR News

The Tampa Bay Rays won the American League pennant Monday, beating Cleveland in Game 6 of the ALCS. Junior Caminero hit his first career postseason home run to key the clinching victory. Freddy Peralta, a trade-deadline acquisition, was named ALCS Most Valuable Player after making two starts and a relief appearance during the series.

The Rays will face the National League champion Milwaukee Brewers in the World Series. It is the first World Series matchup since 1980 in which both teams are seeking their first title. Either way, baseball crowns a first-time champion this fall. Game 1 of the best-of-seven series is set for Friday.

Sources

NPR News — Rays will face Brewers in World Series to produce a first-time champion
The Rays will face the NL champion Milwaukee Brewers in the first World Series matchup since 1980 in which both teams are seeking their first title.
Read at NPR News →
ESPN — Rays clinch ALCS with Game 6 win, to face Brewers in World Series
Junior Caminero's first career postseason home run keyed Tampa Bay's Game 6 win over Cleveland, clinching the AL pennant and a World Series date with Milwaukee.
Read at ESPN →
CBS Sports — Rays' Freddy Peralta named ALCS MVP after two starts, including Game 6 clincher
Deadline acquisition Freddy Peralta was named ALCS MVP after anchoring the Rays' pennant run with two starts and a relief appearance.
Read at CBS Sports →

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