The Rays secured the series at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday, advancing to the ALCS for the third time in franchise history and reaching the stage for the first time since 2020.
Mesa Jr. delivers decisive blow
The Rays took the lead in the third inning through Jonathan Aranda, whose RBI single brought home Jonny DeLuca.
The Yankees quickly responded through Ben Rice, but Tampa Bay regained the advantage when Ryan Vilade hit a solo home run in the fourth inning.
New York levelled again through Spencer Jones' RBI double, setting up a tense second half.
The decisive moment arrived in the sixth inning when Victor Mesa Jr. launched a two-run home run off Yankees starter Max Fried, putting the Rays 4-2 ahead.
It was Mesa's first career postseason home run and ultimately proved to be the winning hit.
Controversial Volpe play adds to drama
The Yankees appeared to have tied the game in the bottom of the sixth when Anthony Volpe drove the ball towards the left-field wall.
However, a fan reached over the wall and interfered with the play. Following video review, the potential home run was overturned and Volpe was awarded an RBI double, with George Lombard Jr. scoring to reduce the deficit to 4-3.
The Rays then held firm to protect their narrow advantage.
Bryan Baker took the mound in the ninth inning and struck out Trent Grisham with the tying run on second base to complete the series sweep. Baker recorded his third save of the series.
Historic sweep for Tampa Bay
The victory gave the Rays their first sweep in a best-of-five postseason series in franchise history.
It also marked the first time the Yankees had been swept in a best-of-five ALDS. New York never led in any of the three games against Tampa Bay.
The Rays previously reached the ALCS in 2008 and 2020. They lost the World Series on both occasions and are now chasing the first championship in franchise history.
Rays await ALCS opponent
Tampa Bay will face either the Chicago White Sox or Cleveland Guardians in the ALCS.
The Rays will host Game 1 on Monday, with the White Sox currently leading their ALDS series against Cleveland 2-1.
For the Yankees, the defeat brings their 2026 postseason campaign to an abrupt end. They had swept Boston in the Wild Card Series but failed to win a single game against Tampa Bay.
The Rays, meanwhile, continue their pursuit of a first World Series title after another landmark postseason victory in New York.