CHICAGO — When Nestor Cortes was in highschool, his father used to complain when he wandered off the mound whereas he was pitching.
“He was sick of me getting drained going into the sixth, so he mentioned cease strolling a lot and possibly you’ll get there,” Cortes mentioned.
Cortes acquired there, all proper. And stored going, all the way in which to one in every of baseball’s greatest surprises to this point this 12 months.
Staying on the mound and dealing shortly — identical to his dad would have needed — Cortes pitched a career-high eight innings to guide the Yankees to a 5-1 victory over Michael Kopech and the Chicago White Sox on Sunday.
“That was one other particular outing,” Supervisor Aaron Boone mentioned. “I imply, simply in full management.”
The Yankees managed simply two hits: a second-inning single for Isiah Kiner-Falefa and a two-run homer by Joey Gallo within the ninth. Nevertheless it was greater than sufficient, because of the artful Cortes (2-1).
Cortes, 27, carried a no-hitter into the eighth in his earlier outing towards Texas, and on Sunday he allowed three hits, struck out seven and walked none in one other sensible efficiency. He has permitted two runs or fewer in every of his seven begins this 12 months.
Since his first massive league outing of final season, on Might 30, 2021, Cortes has an A.L.-low 2.44 E.R.A. over 133 innings. He has allowed three runs or fewer in 16 straight begins, matching Luis Severino in 2018 for the second-longest such streak in franchise historical past.
“So long as I can go on the market and compete and provides my crew an opportunity, I’m joyful and comfy,” Cortes mentioned.
Requested if he sees himself as one of many majors’ finest pitchers, Cortes demurred.
“Not likely. There’s numerous good pitchers on the market,” he mentioned. “I simply attempt to do my half.”
Clay Holmes completed the four-hitter for the Yankees’ 18th win in 21 video games.
