The New York Yankees suffered a 9-7 loss in their series opener against the Boston Red Sox on Friday, and starting pitcher Nestor Cortes wants to change things in the team now. Cortes couldn't make it out of the fifth inning yet again for the third time in a row.
But despite his shaky start, the Yankees were still in a good spot as Aaron Judge gave them a three-run lead after his three-run homer in the seventh inning. However, the Red Sox were able to secure a two-run lead after five runs in the seventh and eighth innings.
After the game, Cortes addressed the slump and stated that his team needed to get out of this inconsistent run and figure out a way to victory.
"Feels like when we hit, we don’t pitch, and when we pitch, we don’t hit. I'm sure there's other ways and other points that people could point out. If I had the answer for you, I would tell the team and make it work," Nestor Cortes said.
"But it's a tough stretch. Tough month. Tough two months, I don't know what you want to call it. But we do need to turn it around," he added.
The New York Yankees have lost nine series in their last 11 and are currently on a three-game losing streak. Even though the Yankees are in the third position in the American League, they need to start winning games to maintain that position throughout the second half of the season.
Nestor Cortes' struggles continue
Nestor Cortes' struggles continued on Friday. The Yankees left-hander failed to complete the fifth inning for the third consecutive start, allowing four runs on nine hits to the Red Sox. His command was inconsistent, as he also surrendered two walks.
Cortes has now yielded 15 runs over his last 13.1 innings, elevating his ERA to 4.13. Moreover, the Yankees have lost eight of his last nine starts.
Cortes will try to rebound from this skid and prepare for his next start against the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday, July 31.