Nestor Cortes Sends Clear Message About World Series Walk
Nestor Cortes Sends Clear Message About World Series Walk
Nestor Cortes, the New York Yankees' starting pitcher, sent a clear message to the Houston Astros with his intentional walk in Game 2 of the World Series.
A Bold Move
Cortes's decision to intentionally walk Astros' leadoff hitter Jose Altuve was a bold one, especially considering the high stakes of the game. With the Yankees trailing 2-0 in the series, they needed a win to tie things up. However, Cortes believed that walking Altuve was the best way to put his team in a position to succeed.
The Reasoning Behind the Walk
Cortes explained his decision after the game, saying that he wanted to avoid giving up a hit to Altuve, who is one of the best hitters in baseball. By walking Altuve, Cortes forced the Astros to bring up the bottom of their lineup, which he believed would give the Yankees a better chance of getting out of the inning without allowing a run.
The Impact of the Walk
Cortes's decision paid off, as the Yankees did not allow a run in the first inning of Game 2. They went on to win the game 4-2, and eventually the World Series in 6 games.
Different Perspectives
There were different perspectives on Cortes's decision to intentionally walk Altuve. Some agreed with his reasoning, believing that it was the best way to give the Yankees a chance to win. Others criticized the move, arguing that it was too conservative and that Cortes should have tried to get Altuve out.
Expert Analysis
Baseball experts generally agreed that Cortes's decision was a sound one. They pointed out that Altuve is a dangerous hitter, and that walking him was the best way to minimize the risk of giving up a run.
Historical Context
Cortes's decision was not unprecedented. In fact, it is a fairly common strategy in the playoffs. In the 2017 World Series, for example, the Houston Astros intentionally walked Cody Bellinger of the Los Angeles Dodgers in a similar situation.
Conclusion
Nestor Cortes's decision to intentionally walk Jose Altuve in Game 2 of the World Series was a bold one, but it ultimately paid off. The Yankees won the game and went on to win the World Series, and Cortes's decision was widely praised by baseball experts. The move is a reminder that there is more than one way to get an out, and that sometimes the best way to win is to avoid giving up a hit.
Reflection on the Broader Implications
Cortes's decision has broader implications for the game of baseball. It shows that teams are increasingly willing to use unconventional strategies in order to win. It also shows that pitchers are becoming more aware of the importance of pitch sequencing and game management.
As the game of baseball continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see more and more teams using intentional walks and other unconventional strategies. This will make the game more exciting and unpredictable, and it will also require pitchers to be more creative and adaptable.