Victor Mesa Jr. Home Run Seals Rays Sweep of Yankees to Advance to ALCS

Tampa Bay defeated New York 4-3 on Wednesday night to complete a three-game sweep, led by a go-ahead home run from outfielder Victor Mesa Jr.

The Tampa Bay Rays defeated the New York Yankees 4-3 on Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium to complete a three-game sweep and advance to the American League Championship Series. Victor Mesa Jr. broke a 2-2 tie in the top of the sixth inning by hitting a home run off Yankees left-hander Max Fried. The blast followed a two-out single by Junior Caminero. Tampa Bay's pitching staff allowed just five total runs across the three-game series, concluding with Bryan Baker striking out Trent Grisham to secure the final out.

Fried remained in the game to face Mesa despite reliever Paul Blackburn being ready in the New York bullpen. Mesa, who batted .333 against left-handed pitchers during the regular season, hit a hanging sweeper into the right-field stands. The Yankees attempted to rally when Anthony Volpe hit a ball toward the stands, but a potential tying run was nullified by a fan interference call, resulting in Volpe being placed at second base.

Acquired from the Marlins last February for Angel Brachi, Mesa spent the early portion of the season in the minor leagues before a May call-up. The victory sets up an ALCS matchup between the Rays and the winner of the series between the Cleveland Guardians and Chicago White Sox. Tampa Bay's path to the sweep included a Game 1 performance where Drew Rasmussen took a no-hitter deep into the contest.