Cortes sacrifices elbow in World Series for game-winning slam attempt

In Game 1 of the World Series, held in Los Angeles, Nestor Cortes pitched for the New York Yankees despite recovering from a flexor strain in his elbow. He had been sidelined since mid-September and was eager to contribute to his team's playoff efforts. Cortes felt more anxious during earlier postseason games compared to his performance in the World Series. In a high-pressure situation in the 10th inning, after allowing a couple of runners on base, Cortes faced Shohei Ohtani, successfully getting him out. However, moments later, he surrendered a decisive three-run home run to Freddie Freeman, ultimately sealing a loss for the Yankees. While Cortes expressed disappointment over the pitch that allowed the game-winning hit, he remained optimistic about the opportunity to pitch in such a significant moment. He emphasized the importance of the World Series in a player's career and acknowledged the personal sacrifices made in pursuit of a championship. The loss was a bitter pill, particularly as Cortes reflected on the impact on his future career in baseball, balancing the excitement of the World Series with the potential risks of injury and performance.