Nasty Nestor Cortes returned to form with an immaculate outing for the New York Yankees on Monday night against the Miami Marlins.
Though the struggling Marlins have not posed much of a threat to begin the young season, Cortes was nearly unhittable. He was perfect through three innings before giving up a single to Bryan De La Cruz in the fourth inning.
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Cortes' final line was 8.0 shutout innings allowing, two hits, no walks while striking out six. He threw 102 pitches, including 70 strikes and threw a first-pitch strike to 18-of-26 batters. Cortes also generated 15 whiffs.
Nestor Cortes, Nasty Changeup. 👌
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 8, 2024
6th K pic.twitter.com/opRpGZ5LJU
This marked the first time Cortes tossed eight shutout innings throughout his career.
The Yankees offense helped Cortes settle in with a six-run fourth inning, which was highlighted by a pair of three-run home runs from Anthony Volpe and Juan Soto's first at Yankee Stadium.
Nestor Cortes, Dirty 83mph Changeup. 👌 pic.twitter.com/MtWTY77Uhx
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 8, 2024
Nestor Cortes, 2Ks in the 2nd. pic.twitter.com/h1Tpi1QkvB
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 8, 2024
After burning through the bullpen during the series against the Toronto Blue Jays, this kind of outing was much-needed.
With Gerrit Cole working his way back from nerve elbow inflammation, the Yankees needed some stability from the rotation. Having Cortes put together this kind of outing was very encouraging as the Yankees continue their extremely hot start.