In a stunning turn of events at Yankee Stadium, Brewers pitcher Nestor Cortes faced a nightmare scenario in a game that will be etched in his memory for all the wrong reasons. This disappointing outing left him reflecting on his performance after allowing a staggering five of the Yankees' nine record-breaking home runs and lasting only two-plus innings before being pulled in a 20-9 defeat.
Speaking about his struggles, Cortes admitted, "It's not a good feeling," acknowledging that things did not unfold as he had hoped. Following the game, he initially left the ballpark without engaging with reporters due to what the Brewers later termed a miscommunication. However, he did address the media the next day before the series finale, owning up to his difficult outing against his former team.
The left-hander, who had become a fan favorite with his distinct leg kicks and platinum blond hair, was acquired by the Brewers from the Yankees in December in exchange for Devin Williams. Despite the warm reception he received upon his return to Yankee Stadium, Cortes had to face the tough reality of competing against familiar faces. Reflecting on the situation, he acknowledged the unpredictability of a major league pitcher's journey and the inevitability of facing former teammates.
As a 36th-round pick of the Yankees in 2013, Cortes had a respectable career, amassing a 33-21 record with a 3.80 ERA over seven seasons with the Yankees, Orioles, and Mariners. He showcased his prowess by earning an All-Star nod in 2022 and delivering a solid performance during the previous season, where he posted a 3.77 ERA in 31 appearances. However, his tenure with the Yankees ended on a sour note as he surrendered a game-ending grand slam in the World Series.
Meanwhile, the Yankees continued their offensive onslaught in the following game against the Brewers, with four more home runs contributing to a dominant 12-3 victory. Aaron Judge made history by becoming the first player in Yankees' history to hit four homers in the team's first three games of a season, further solidifying his reputation as a powerhouse at the plate. The Bronx Bombers showcased their power with a total of 15 home runs in the opening three games, tying an MLB record and leaving their opponents shell-shocked.
The impressive display of power hitting by the Yankees also drew attention to the equipment they were using, specifically new "torpedo" bats that are designed with more wood concentrated in the lower part of the barrel. While these innovative bats are within the permissible parameters set by MLB rules, they have raised eyebrows among opponents, including Milwaukee reliever Trevor Megill, who expressed surprise and skepticism about their effectiveness.
Despite the controversy surrounding the specialized bats, Yankees players seem undeterred, with some hitters opting to stick with their traditional equipment. Aaron Judge, a standout performer who has excelled with his current bat, emphasized the importance of consistency and sticking to what works best for individual players. His decision to forego the new bats underscores the belief that mastering one's tools and approach is pivotal for sustained success in the game.
As the season unfolds, the Yankees' potent lineup and strategic equipment choices will continue to be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike. The blend of power hitting, innovative technology, and individual player preferences adds layers of intrigue to an already captivating MLB season, leaving fans eager to witness how this narrative unfolds on the diamond.
