The mood of New York Yankees fans matched the sunny weather Sunday after their team defeated the Cleveland Guardians 5-2 in extra innings the night before, sending them to their 41st World Series.

Juan Soto hit a three-run homer with two outs in the 10th inning to seal the victory, winning game five of the American League Championship Series and securing the pennant for his team. The Bombers will now seek their 28th championship title when the series kicks off on Friday.

The last time the Yankees made it to the World Series was during the opening year of their new stadium in 2009. The environment has changed significantly since then, but Westchester resident Estefania Rangel said the fans have remained just as passionate.

“I’m honestly ecstatic about it: it’s been 15 years, which is basically half my life,” she said. “The old stadium was definitely more fan-friendly in my opinion, this one has suites and things like that… I think they’re different stadiums, same experience, same fans.”

Yanks fan Christopher Infante said outside the stadium Sunday that the victory brought back celebratory memories of the last time the team won a World Series in 2009.

“I almost fainted after Soto hit the home run. Headbutt, I got the headbutt. But it’s a great feeling,” he said. “I remember in ’09, right after we won, I splashed a little champagne outside my apartment. Then we came here to 161 —- it was great.”

Angella Pielego also enjoyed the festive atmosphere outside the stadium on Sunday as she headed to a discounted merchandise sale.

“It’s the Bronx – we are the heart of the city, we are the strongest, and the Yankees are right there showing how strong we are,” she said. “I like that there is soul here, and it’s super diverse. Everyone comes from all over to come here and see them win.”

With ticket prices for World Series games at Yankee Stadium already approaching $900 on Sunday, Pielego said she would watch the Bombers from a bar around the corner. She said she hoped the rival New York Mets would also go to the World Series, “so it becomes a Subway Series.”

The Mets clung to hope on Sunday as they prepared to take on the Los Angeles Dodgers in game six of their best-of-seven series. As of Sunday, the Dodgers led the Mets three games to two.

Joe Zamora also visited the Yankee Stadium merchandise store on Sunday. He said he hoped the Bombers would face the Dodgers and their superstar designated hitter Shohei Ohtani.

“This job isn’t done yet, we’re about to finish it – we’re just waiting to see who’s on the other side of the piece,” he said. “I definitely want to see Shohei.”