The New York Yankees and Cleveland Guardians are making up their postponed Game 2 ALDS matchup Friday, and Nestor Cortes just made a play that could shift the direction of the series.
New York outfielder Giancarlo Stanton hit a two-run home run in the first inning to put the Yankees ahead early.
Welcome to Stantober. pic.twitter.com/Ii8t2SUSH6
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) October 14, 2022
However, Cortes got himself into some trouble in the top of the fourth inning, allowing one run with the potential for more with the bases loaded and two outs.
Guardians outfielder Myles Straw then hit a sharp ground ball that nearly got through the infield to likely drive in multiple runs.
Instead, Cortes made a highlight-reel play to glove the ball and throw over to first baseman Anthony Rizzo while on the ground to get Straw for the out.
Nestor 🤯 pic.twitter.com/IJIPAOGm5L
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) October 14, 2022
Cortes doesn’t look like the most nimble pitcher out there, but many are praising him for his fielding skills and athleticism on this terrific play.
Nestor the magnificent. My heart stopped pic.twitter.com/1aruMNsJfJ
— Eric Hubbs (@BarstoolHubbs) October 14, 2022
https://twitter.com/BenHoffmanNYT/status/1580989321665925123
Nifty play by Nasty Nestor https://t.co/BvRARxJFcT
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) October 14, 2022
an ATHLETE https://t.co/pMhiJluqwZ
— Samit Sarkar (@SamitSarkar) October 14, 2022
Mr. Cortes, if you're NASTY. #RepBX https://t.co/K3vcraq7xM
— Ben White (@EconomyBen) October 14, 2022
The Yankees were able to take Game 1, and winning Friday’s matchup would put them in the driver’s seat. Nestor’s play could end up being the moment that helped decide the whole series.
The series winner will take on the winner of the Astros–Mariners ALDS, which Houston leads 2-0.
