# Yandy Díaz backs up his prediction with a two-run homer as the Rays clinch the pennant

**Date:** 10/20/2026

After Game 5, Yandy Díaz said the series would end the next night. He was right. On Monday, October 19, at Tropicana Field, the Cuban third baseman launched a two-run homer in the eighth inning to cap the Tampa Bay Rays' 7-3 win over the Cleveland Guardians, clinching the American League pennant four games to two.

The blast came off a changeup from reliever Hunter Gaddis, left the bat at 111.9 mph and traveled 416 feet into the left-field seats, according to MLB.com. Díaz raised his arms as soon as he made contact and made a heart with his hands as he crossed home plate, while a sellout crowd of more than 40,000 chanted his name. Junior Caminero also homered, and ALCS MVP Freddy Peralta allowed one run over 5 1/3 innings.

"Being in Cuba, you dream of being in this moment," Díaz said through an interpreter. "There was a lot of sacrifice, a lot of hard moments, but here we are." He added: "Tampa has given me life." It is the third pennant in franchise history for a club whose roster also includes fellow Cuban Víctor Mesa Jr.

The Rays face the Milwaukee Brewers in the World Series, which opens Friday, October 23, at American Family Field. Asked about the matchup, Díaz made another call: "It's going to be a great series, but we're winning."