The Tampa Bay Rays entered the ALDS as AL East champions with the league’s best record at 98-64, holding a 2-0 series lead after home wins powered by Drew Rasmussen’s near no-hitter and consistent bullpen work. The New York Yankees, at 93-68 and missing Aaron Judge due to injury, managed just five runs across the first two games while committing baserunning and defensive lapses. In Game 3 at Yankee Stadium, the Rays completed a sweep with a 4-3 victory featuring Victor Mesa Jr.’s go-ahead homer, despite a fan-interference review nullifying an Anthony Volpe homer; New York hit .130 for the series. These results aligned with the Rays’ 9-6 regular-season edge and home-field advantage through the ALCS.