Cortes Still Great As Yankees Top White Sox


CHICAGO — When Nestor Cortes was in high school, his father used to complain when he went off the mound while shooting.

“He was sick of me getting tired going into sixth, so stop walking so much and maybe you’ll get there,” Cortes said.

Cortes is here, okay. And it continued until one of baseball’s biggest surprises ever this year.

By staying on the mound and working quickly – just as his father wanted – Cortes set a career-high eight innings to lead the Yankees to a 5-1 victory over Michael Kopech and the Chicago White Sox on Sunday.

“This was another special outing,” said manager Aaron Boone. “I mean, it’s just totally under control.”

The Yankees only managed two hits: Isiah Kiner-Falefa’s second-hit single and ninth Joey Gallo’s two-hit homer. But it was more than enough thanks to the cunning Cortes (2-1).

In his previous game against Texas, 27-year-old Cortes took eighth place without a hit and allowed three hits on Sunday, hitting seven, and walking in none in another excellent performance. He’s allowed two or fewer runs in each of his seven debuts this year.

Since his first major league game on May 30, 2021 last season, Cortes has had a low ERA of 2.44 in 133 innings. He allowed three or fewer runs in 16 consecutive starts, and in 2018 had the second-longest winning streak in franchise history with Luis Severino.

“As long as I can get out there and compete and give my team a chance, I’m happy and relaxed,” Cortes said.

When asked if he considers himself one of the majors’ best shooters, Cortes objected.

“Not exactly. There are some very good shooters out there,” he said. “I’m just trying to do my part.”

Clay Holmes rounded out the Yankees’ 18th win in 21 games by four strokes.



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