The New York Yankees advanced to their 40th World Series by rallying with three runs in the fourth inning to beat the Los Angeles Angels 5-2 in game six of the American League championship series.
The Yankees fell behind early but battled back in the fourth then tacked on two more runs in the eighth to win the series 4-2 and reach their first World Series since 2003.
Pitcher Andy Pettitte earned his 16th playoff win as the Yankees turned to closer Mariano Rivera for the final six outs Sunday and he delivered in front of a crowd of 50,171 at Yankee Stadium.
“We had to finish strong,” said Yankees closer Mariano Rivera. “I was thinking just get six outs and get them as quickly as possible.”
The Yankees will now try to win their 27th Major League Baseball title as they begin the World Series Wednesday at home against the Philadelphia Phillies.
The defending World Series champion Phillies defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers in five games in the other semi final.