The Yankees reach their first World Series since 2009 after defeating the Guardians in Game 5

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

It's a return to baseball's biggest stage for the Yankees, who haven't been to the World Series since winning it in 2009. Although the 15-year losing streak may not seem very long, it tied the franchise's record for longest pennant gap.

This team was led to the Fall Classic by timely hits from the top of its lineup, particularly designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton, and a near-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 overtime.

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

The Guardians couldn't respond.

While the Yankees have not been to the World Series, they have been to the playoffs in almost every season and have reached five championship series (2010, 2012, 2017, 2019, 2022).

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