NEW YORK — They dashed from the dugout and in from the outfield, swarming Alex Rodriguez in a sea of pinstripes only steps from his spot at third base.

‘‘I couldn’t be more excited,’’ he said. ‘‘I feel like a 10-year-old kid.’’

Making it to the World Series for the first time after all those misses will do that to you.

The New York Yankees, baseball’s biggest spenders, finally cashed in with their first pennant in six years Sunday night, beating the Los Angeles Angels 5-2 in Game 6 of the AL championship series behind the savvy pitching of that old October pro, Andy Pettitte.

Next up, New York hosts defending champion Philadelphia in the World Series opener Wednesday night. Cliff Lee is expected to face ALCS MVP C.C. Sabathia in an enticing pitching matchup between former Cleveland teammates — and the past two AL Cy Young Award winners.