Nestor Cortes Jr.’s first game back at Yankee Stadium was supposed to be a nostalgic moment. Instead, it turned into a historic nightmare. The Milwaukee Brewers’ left-hander, traded from New York just months earlier, endured one of the worst pitching performances in MLB history during a 20-9 Opening Day rout by the Yankees. From back-to-back-to-back homers on his first three pitches to a career-worst five home runs allowed, Cortes’ homecoming was anything but sweet.
A Start for the Record Books
Cortes’ Brewers debut unraveled instantly. His very first pitch—a 91-mph fastball—was crushed by Paul Goldschmidt. Pitch two, a slider to Cody Bellinger, vanished into the right-field seats. Pitch three? Aaron Judge demolished a hanging cutter 450 feet. In just three pitches, Cortes became the first pitcher in MLB history to surrender homers on three consecutive pitches to open a game.
The chaos didn’t stop there. Cortes gave up two more homers before being yanked in the third inning, having allowed eight runs, six hits (five homers), and five walks over two-plus innings. The five homers marked a career high, eclipsing his previous worst of three—a staggering feat considering his 86 prior starts.
Yankees’ Offensive Onslaught
While Cortes floundered, the Yankees feasted. New York’s 20-run eruption set a franchise record, with Aaron Judge leading the charge. The slugger launched three homers on the day, including his first-inning blast off Cortes. By the time the dust settled, the Brewers’ pitching staff had been battered for 20 hits, leaving fans stunned and the scoreboard operators exhausted.
From Bronx Hero to Visiting Villain
Cortes’ meltdown was especially poignant given his history in pinstripes. From 2019 to 2024, the scrappy lefty evolved from a little-known reliever to a fan-favorite All-Star, thanks to his deceptive delivery and underdog charm. However, declining performance and a blockbuster trade for closer Devin Williams sent him to Milwaukee last winter.
Returning to Yankee Stadium as a visitor clearly rattled Cortes. “I didn’t know whether to turn right or left in the tunnel,” he admitted pre-game, his newly silver-dyed hair hinting at a fresh start. Instead, the ballpark he once called home became the stage for his most humbling day as a pro.
What’s Next for Cortes?
Despite the disaster, Cortes must regroup quickly. His next start lines up against the Cincinnati Reds, offering a chance to reset. Brewers manager Pat Murphy acknowledged the lefty’s resilience: “Nestor’s a fighter. He’ll learn from this and bounce back.”
For now, Cortes’ nightmare outing serves as a brutal reminder of baseball’s unpredictability. One day, you’re a beloved hometown hero; the next, you’re etching your name into an unwanted record.