The Tampa Bay Rays have advanced to the American League Championship defeating the Chicago White Sox today. The Rays, who for years had been the laughing stock in the junior loop, are now one series win from making the World Series in their first ever playoff appearance.

Tampa Bay jumped out to an 4-0 lead and the White Sox couldn't overcome the deficit. Wadsworth High School graduate Andy Sonnanstine gave up 2 earned runs in 5 2/3 innings earning the win for the Rays while also ending the ChiSox season. BJ Upton scored twice and drove in two for the Rays while Carlos Pena contributed 3 RBI's for the club.

The Rays await the winner of the Boston Red Sox-Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim series which sees the Red Sox currently with a 2-1 advantage. The Red Sox can seal the series tonight with a victory in Fenway Park but if they lose they head back to Anaheim Wednesday for the rubber match in the 5 game series.

The Rays will own home field advantage as they had the best record in the AL this season. The ALCS will start on Friday and will air on TBS. No game time has been set