Yankees advance to first World Series since 2009 after defeating the Guardians in Game 5

The New York Yankees are going to the World Series after beating the Cleveland Guardians 5 to 2 in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series on Saturday.

It's a return to baseball's biggest stage for the Yankees, who have not played in the World Series since winning it in 2009. While the 15-year drought does not seem very long, it tied the franchise's record for the largest gap between pennants.

This team was propelled to the Fall Classic by timely hitting by the top of its lineup, particularly designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton, and a nearly perfect bullpen aside from a collapse in Game 3 against the Guardians.

The Yankees trailed the Guardians 0-2 until Stanton hit a two-run home run in the top of the sixth, tying the game and sending it to extra innings.

In the top of the 10th, Juan Soto sealed the deal for the Yankees, smashing a three-run home run with two outs on the board.

The Guardians couldn't answer.

While the Yankees have been absent from the World Series, they have been in the playoffs in nearly every season and have reached five championship series (2010, 2012, 2017, 2019, 2022).

The Yankees' three most recent losses in the championship series were at the hands of the Houston Astros, who have been the most dominant team in the American League for nearly a decade.