Buster Olney Oct 8, 2026, 01:29 AM ET Senior writer ESPN Magazine/ESPN.com Analyst/reporter ESPN television Author of "The Last Night of the Yankee Dynasty"
New York -- Victor Mesa Jr. delivered a decisive home run in Game 3, helping the Tampa Bay Rays complete a 4-3 sweep over the New York Yankees in the division series. Over three games, Tampa Bay's pitching surrendered only five runs, stifling the New York lineup from Drew Rasmussen's near no-hitter in Game 1 to Bryan Baker's series-clinching strikeout. Kevin Cash's team, carrying one of the lowest payrolls in the majors, advanced to the American League Championship Series. The victory affirmed the Rays' summerlong dominance over their division rival.
Mesa, a fringe player acquired from the Miami Marlins last February, emerged as a key contributor. Called up at the end of May, he demonstrated a special ability to hit left-handed pitching, batting .333 against southpaws during the regular season. In the pivotal Game 3, with the score tied 2-2, Mesa swung at a sweeper and hanger from Max Fried, sending the ball to right field to secure the win. After the game, Mesa dedicated the moment to his teammates, stating he dreamed of such stages growing up. The Rays will now face the winner of the Cleveland Guardians-Chicago White Sox series.
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