Rays fans celebrate American League pennant, look ahead to World Series

Tears, cheers, and a packed Tropicana Field marked a memorable night for Tampa Bay Rays fans as the team clinched its third American League pennant in franchise history.For Brett Helphenstine, a fan from Punta Gorda, the moment was almost too much to take in. Rays fans celebrate American League pennant, look ahead to World SeriesI know. I cant help it. This is the best, he said, fighting back tears as he celebrated the Rays trip to the World Series.The Rays secured their place in the Fall Classic with three straight wins over the Cleveland Guardians, finishing the American League Championship Series in front of their home crowd. Fans said the teams run was especially satisfying after a season in which many outsiders had low expectations.They were picked last by everybody, and they finished first, said Gary Landsman, who attended the game with his wife, Deborah. The couple said they have supported the Rays through years of ups and downs.The atmosphere inside Tropicana Field was part of