The Yankees’ Nestor Cortes and Tim Hill were called upon in the 10th inning of Game 1 of the World Series to protect New York’s one-run lead against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Cortes, who hadn’t pitched in a game for 37 days due to a flexor strain, faced Shohei Ohtani and managed to retire him on just one pitch. However, Freddie Freeman hit a walk-off grand slam off Cortes’ next pitch, giving the Dodgers a 6-3 victory.
Manager Aaron Boone explained that he chose Cortes over Hill for the matchup against Ohtani, as Cortes had been performing well in recent weeks. After getting Ohtani out, Cortes faced Freeman, who took advantage of a pitch down and in to secure the win for the Dodgers. Despite his efforts, Cortes expressed disappointment in not being able to deliver for his team when it mattered most.
This game marked Cortes’ return to the mound after battling injury and uncertainty about his future. His determination to contribute to the team and give his best effort was evident throughout the game. While the outcome was not what he had hoped for, Cortes showed resilience and a strong desire to compete at the highest level.
Moving forward, Cortes will continue to work towards his goal of being a reliable pitcher for the Yankees and making a significant impact in future games. His experience in Game 1 of the World Series will serve as motivation to overcome challenges and strive for success in the face of adversity.
