Nestor Cortes had an impressive performance for the Yankees against the White Sox, despite a controversial call for an illegal pitch early in the game. He remained composed and finished strong, retiring the final eight batters he faced to secure a 4-2 victory. Cortes mentioned that he struggled early on but was able to gain control and effectively use his cutter, fastball, and changeup to keep batters off balance throughout the game. His ability to mix up his pitches was a key factor in his success on the mound.
Cortes showcased his pitching skills by stranding runners on base in the first inning and working out of tight situations throughout the game. He picked off a baserunner and didn’t allow any runners on base after the pick-off. Manager Aaron Boone commended Cortes for hitting his spots and making crucial pitches when needed. Despite not having his best fastball, Cortes was able to keep the White Sox hitters off balance and deliver a strong performance on the mound.
At Yankee Stadium, Cortes has been dominant with a 2-1 record and a 1.27 ERA in five home starts. However, his performance on the road has not been as successful, with an 0-3 record and a 6.75 ERA over five away games. Cortes acknowledged the discrepancy in his performance at home versus on the road and expressed a desire to improve his road record. He believes that incorporating his changeup more often as a deceptive pitch will help him succeed in all types of environments.
One highlight of the game was a controversial quick pitch by Cortes that was called illegal by the home-plate umpire. Cortes disputed the ruling, but the strikeout still stood. Manager Boone also disagreed with the call, citing a misinterpretation by the umpire. Despite the controversial call, the White Sox struggled to generate offense against Cortes, who effectively shut down their lineup with only 93 legal pitches over the course of the game.
Cortes’ ability to mix up his pitches and keep hitters off balance has been a key component of his success on the mound. He explained that his changeup is becoming a more vital weapon in his arsenal, allowing him to keep opponents guessing and adapt to different situations. By utilizing his changeup more frequently and varying his pitch selection, Cortes aims to continue improving his performance and solidifying his role as a reliable starting pitcher for the Yankees. Despite facing challenges and controversies, Cortes remains focused on refining his pitching skills and contributing to his team’s success moving forward.
