Nestor Cortes asserts that the New York Yankees were “the better team” in the 2024 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. This statement comes from the former Yankees pitcher, who has a unique perspective on the outcome of the championship series.
Recently, Cortes shared his thoughts with The Athletic, reflecting on Game 1, where a dramatic walk-off grand slam by Freddie Freeman off him marked a pivotal moment. He believes the Yankees not only deserved that game but should have clinched the series in six games.
“We had done enough to win that game,” Cortes stated. “If we had won Game 1 — which we should have — and taken Game 4, we could have returned to LA with a 3-2 lead after winning Game 5.” His conviction is clear, as he emphasizes that the Yankees had the potential to dominate the series.
Cortes acknowledges the mistakes made by his team but maintains that they were the superior squad. “People can say it slipped away from us, and they can point out our errors,” he remarked. “However, I believe we were the better team, and I know the guys in the clubhouse feel the same way. The reality could have been us heading back to LA leading 3-2.”
Despite his strong feelings about the Yankees’ performance, Cortes also commended the Dodgers for their ability to close out the series effectively. He noted that the Dodgers did not allow the series to return to Yankee Stadium, where New York was undefeated during the ALCS.
“It didn’t happen that way, and they deserve all the credit in the world,” Cortes said. “They won the World Series, proving themselves as the better team in that moment.”
Looking ahead, the Dodgers and Yankees are set to face off again on May 30 at Dodger Stadium, marking a much-anticipated rematch of the 2024 World Series. The second game of this series will be available for viewing on FOX.
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