Yanks Charge Into World Series

The New York Yankees won their first pennant in 6 years tonight, beating the visiting Los Angeles Angels, 5-2, in Game 6 of the ALCS behind the savvy pitching of Andy Pettitte. New York hosts defending champion Philadelphia in the World Series opener Wednesday night. Cliff Lee is expected to face Yankees ace CC Sabathia, the ALCS MVP, in an enticing pitching matchup between former Cleveland teammates—and the past two AL Cy Young Award winners.

Alex Rodriguez played a huge role in helping the Yankees capture the franchise's 40th pennant. The 16-year veteran shook off his reputation as a postseason choke artist, batting .438 with five homers and 12 RBIs to earn his first trip to the World Series. "This is a wonderful time, but we're not done yet," manager Joe Girardi said in the champagne-soaked postgame locker room. (More World Series stories.)