Juan Soto punches Yankees' ticket to World Series with iconic HR in extra innings

In an absolutely stunning turn of events after collapsing in Game 3 of the ALCS, the New York Yankees are headed to the World Series for the first time since 2009. And it was their marquee offseason acquisition that delivered the final blow to the Cleveland Guardians in the ALCS.

Juan Soto, who came over in a blockbuster trade with the San Diego Padres back in December, delivered for the Bombers all season long, but his performance in the postseason has been the difference maker alongside Giancarlo Stanton and Gleyber Torres.

Heading into Saturday night, the Yankees led the Guardians 3-1 in the ALCS and needed a victory in Game 5 to make their return to the Fall Classic. Though the bats were quiet through 5 2/3 innings, Giancarlo Stanton once again came through with a clutch game-tying two-run homer off Tanner Bibee. Soto was absolutely alive for that moment, but little did he know he'd get the dopamine boost of a lifetime after the game went into extras.

In the top of the 10th inning with two outs, two runners on, and a 1-2 count against Guardians bullpen stalwart Hunter Gaddis, Soto battled and fouled off multiple pitches before getting an offering of his liking in the upper part of the zone.

He lifted a 95 MPH fastball (after six straight breaking balls) to center field. It hung in the air for a while and Guardians center fielder Lane Thomas got turned around while making his way to the wall, where it appeared he would make the catch. But he kept drifting further and further back. And then he rant out of room.

Soto's big fly cleared the wall. The Yankees scored three runs. It was 5-2 and the Guardians were all of a sudden staring down the barrel of defeat. Three Luke Weaver outs later, and this one was over. The Yankees are going to the World Series to face the winner of the Dodgers-Mets NLCS.

Yankees clinch World Series berth on clutch Juan Soto homer in ALCS Game 5

Soto also caught the final out of the game after Weaver induced a fly ball off the bat of Thomas. A lovely full-circle moment that has fans dreaming of something bigger when the Yankees resume play again next week.

The Yankees earned their mettle in this ALCS with drama-filled contests in Cleveland the past three nights. Game 3 was a meltdown for the ages, but they bounced back with a hard-fought victory in Game 4 that tested them late. Game 5 represented the least nerve-wracking of the three contests, if you can believe that. The Guardians simply never threatened to a degree that had fans on the edge of their seat and kept the door open for New York. Stanton broke the lock and Soto kicked it down, completely smushing the Guardians on the other side. Yes, very much like the cartoon imagery you are picturing.

We'd be remiss not to mention Aaron Boone's excellent handling of the pitching staff in this one, and the manner in which all the arms delivered. Carlos Rodón wasn't perfect, but he lasted 4 2/3 solid innings. Mark Leiter Jr., Tim Hill, Jake Cousins, and Weaver finished the job by covering the final 5 1/3 innings and surrendering just two hits and four walks. The unit was depleted but stepped up, and Boone pressed the right buttons.

And once again, the offense did just enough while coming through in the clutch despite going 0-for-4 with their first opportunities with runners in scoring position. Stanton and Soto were the heroes, and so was Aaron Judge, who took a 96 MPH fastball off his ribs and laughed it off. The Captain gets credit for the first-inning vibes that set the tone.

The New York Yankees are going to the World Series. We still can't believe we're saying that. Enjoy the most relaxing night of sleep of the entire season to date, Yankees fans. You've earned it after these 171 games.