Marlins seal World Series

Game one: Yankees 2-3 Marlins Game two: Yankees 6-1 Marlins Game three: Marlins 1-6 Yankees Game four: Yankees 3-4 Marlins Game five: Marlins 6-4 Yankees

The Florida Marlins stunned the New York Yankees to clinch their second World Series with a 2-0 win in game six at Yankee Stadium.

Pitcher Josh Beckett was the Marlins' hero, never allowing a runner past second base through nine innings.

It brought a second title in seven seasons for the underdogs, with favourites New York losing the World Series for the second time in three years, having gone down to Arizona in 2001.

And despite their star-studded squad and million-dollar payroll, defeat could signal the end for this Yankees squad which has now failed to claim the world title since 2000.

"I think it's time to stop saying that it was a shock," said Yankees star Derek Jeter. "They deserved to win.

"The Marlins beat San Francisco, Chicago (Cubs) and then us. You can't say it's a surprise. They're a good team and they beat us."

Yankees manager Joe Torre tried to remain upbeat.

If this team stays together, I think they can be like the Yankees Ivan Rodriguez, Florida catcher

"They talked about the end of an era before, but we resurfaced again," he said. "We always manage to get the players that are capable of great things."

After four scoreless innings the Marlins edged ahead at the top of the fifth through Alex Gonzalez, and Jeff Conine claimed the second run in the sixth.

Beckett, who gave up just five hits, then closed out the game in style with a performance that earned him the MVP award.

"Beckett did a tremendous job," said Marlins boss Jack McKeon, who at 72 became the oldest manager to win a World Series.

"This guy is special - he's got the guts of a burgler and he's mentally tough. I can't believe how much he has matured in the last month."

Beckett said: "We got a bunch of guys on our team that truly believed in our team. Nobody thought we could beat San Francisco.

Photos from Yankee Stadium

"Nobody thought we could beat the Cubs and definitely nobody thought we could beat the Yankees and now here we are."

Victory brought Marlins fans pouring into the streets back in Miami, and fans will be hoping it brings a real rejuvenation for the club.

After their last World Series triumph in 1997, the owner sold off the team's stars leading to a disastrous 108 losses the following year.

Attendances at Marlins games last year had dropped to around 10,000 per game.

"I think if this team stays together the way it is, I think they can be like the Yankees," said Florida catcher Ivan Rodriguez.

"They can win pretty much every year in the play-offs and win more World Series. If you have a team like this, you should keep it for two or three or four years."