Nestor Cortes shines in Yankees' victory

In a standout performance, Nestor Cortes became the first New York Yankees starter to complete six innings since Carlos Rodon on July 28, marking a significant achievement for the team's pitching staff. Cortes expressed satisfaction with the game plan, noting that despite recent struggles, he felt a return to form. "As bad as it seemed for me four or five outings in a row... it was one inning or one pitch that got me off," he reflected, emphasizing his determination to improve. Cortes' impressive outing included seven scoreless innings, a feat he last accomplished himself on May 17 against the White Sox. He strategically adjusted his pitch selection, utilizing fewer cutters and incorporating more changeups and sweepers. "I thought it was more a feel thing," he explained, highlighting his collaborative approach with catcher Kyle Higashioka to keep the opposing hitters off balance. The Yankees' bullpen has faced challenges recently, with relievers struggling to maintain effectiveness. In a recent three-game stretch, eight Yankees relievers combined for a staggering 20 earned runs in just over 11 innings, resulting in a dismal 15.43 ERA. Cortes acknowledged the toll of a busy schedule, stating, "I realized that we’ve played a lot of games the last week or so," underscoring the need for consistent starting pitching to alleviate pressure on the bullpen. Cortes' performance not only provided a much-needed boost for the Yankees but also showcased his resilience and adaptability on the mound, setting a positive tone for the team's future outings.