Some cherished memories from Nestor Cortes’ childhood revolve around visits to watch the Marlins, a team he deeply admired. Hailing from Hialeah, Florida, Cortes recalls enthusiastically rooting for players such as Miguel Cabrera, Dontrelle Willis, and Juan Pierre, often imagining what it would be like to share the field with them.
However, as fate would have it, Cortes found himself pitching against his once-beloved team. In his debut facing the Marlins on Monday night, the southpaw delivered an impressive performance, supported by home runs from Anthony Volpe and Juan Soto, leading the Yankees to a resounding 7-0 victory at Yankee Stadium.
Reflecting on the game, Cortes expressed his enjoyment, emphasizing the satisfaction of keeping the opposing team scoreless and providing his teammates with the opportunity to shine. This victory propelled the Yankees to a 9-2 record, matching their best 11-game start in franchise history. Volpe highlighted the team’s versatility in winning games through various means, whether rallying from behind, maintaining a lead, or receiving solid contributions from both offense and pitching.
Manager Aaron boone acknowledged the importance of Cortes’ extended outing, noting the pitcher’s determination to exceed expectations. Cortes’ eight-inning performance, allowing only two hits and no walks while striking out six, showcased his command and versatility in utilizing different pitches to keep the Marlins off balance.
Despite some early-season concerns stemming from his offseason shoulder issues, Cortes demonstrated resilience and confidence in his abilities. The Yankees’ offense, led by Volpe’s three-run homer in the fourth inning, provided more than enough support for Cortes’ stellar outing, highlighting the team’s collective trust and determination to succeed.
