Nestor Cortez’s hometown magic came crashing down in a brutal 9-1 loss to the Rays on Saturday in the Bronx.
The Yankees left-hander, who normally thrives at home, was uncharacteristically weak on the stadium mound, allowing six runs, eight hits (three of which were home runs) and two walks.
“It’s tough,” Cortez said. “I was feeling pretty good early on, but then I lost a little bit of the outside rail on my fastball and got slow in the count.”
Cortes threw 92 pitches over 4 1/3 innings and struck out just one batter, his season-low.
Rays pitcher Curtis Mead hit an RBI double in the third inning to score the first run of the game.
In the next inning, after a single and a walk put two runners on base, Alex Jackson smashed a three-run homer just outside the right-field fence, narrowly missing a leaping Aaron Judge.
“I’ve played this team a few times, so I think I know my strengths,” Cortes said. “The most important thing is being able to control and target my pitches, and that’s what led to my result today. I felt like I didn’t pitch at my best.”
Tampa Bay third baseman Isaac Paredes, who could be a Yankees target at the trade deadline, slammed a curveball over the left-field fence in the fifth inning.
Two at-bats later, Randy Arozarena hit his second home run of the game, to left-center field.
“I think he had some profiling ability, but it probably wasn’t his best,” coach Aaron Boone said of Cortes’ performance. “He had a hard time beating some guys.”
“The other day when he went for a walk [Jackson]”He threw a close pitch with runners on first and second, but couldn’t get it done, which led to the first run.”
Cortes has proven more comfortable at home with a 1.81 ERA entering Saturday’s matinee game — his 11th start at the Stadium this year — and is 0-5 with a 6.04 ERA in 10 road starts.
“Maybe he just wasn’t in top form today,” said rookie first baseman Ben Rice, who hit a double in the first inning. “He’s pitched well here at home, so I’m excited to see him next time he takes the mound.”
Michael Tonkin followed Cortez for 1 2/3 innings before Josh Maciejewski allowed Arozarena’s second home run.
“It’s time to turn the page,” Cortes said. “I have to get better. First of all, for myself, I think the last couple of years haven’t been very good for me. I have to get better when I’m out there.”
