UPDATE: Nestor Cortes delivered a stunning performance as the San Diego Padres defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-1 Saturday night, marking a pivotal moment in the NL West pennant race. The veteran left-hander showcased his skills with six innings of one-hit ball, propelling the Padres into sole possession of first place.
In front of a sellout crowd at Petco Park, Cortes silenced his past demons, having previously faced a tough October when he allowed the first walk-off grand slam in World Series history to Freddie Freeman. This time, he took a perfect game into the sixth inning, leaving Dodgers hitters guessing with a crafty arsenal of pitches, none exceeding 92.1 mph.
“We’re getting to know him, and it just feels like once he gets in a rhythm, he’s really good,” said Padres manager Mike Shildt. Cortes struck out three and walked none, dominating the Dodgers’ star-studded lineup, which includes MVP candidates and key role players.
The Dodgers were not able to reach base until Miguel Rojas‘s single in the sixth inning, a testament to Cortes’s remarkable command and focus throughout the game. He ended his outing by retiring Shohei Ohtani for the third time, solidifying his dominance.
Cortes’s stellar performance is even more impressive given his recent transition to the Padres, having been acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers on July 31 after struggling with injuries. The left-hander had only made two starts for Milwaukee before missing four months due to an elbow injury. However, he has found a significant role in the Padres’ rotation, allowing just three earned runs in his last 20 innings.
Reflecting on his performance, Cortes stated, “Obviously there’s a history… It sucks as a player to go through those moments, but the good thing about baseball is that you always have another opportunity.” His resilience and determination were evident as he embraced the moment, helping the Padres solidify their position in the standings.
With the Padres showing resilience and teamwork, Cortes is excited about the potential to write a new chapter in October history. “These guys are resilient… It’s a team that battles, a team that goes out there and plays hard,” he remarked on his new teammates.
As the Padres continue to surge, fans are eager to see how far this team can go. The victory against the Dodgers not only boosts their standings but also reinforces the cohesion and strength within the roster. Stay tuned for more updates as the MLB season approaches its critical stretch.
