NEW YORK — It surely wasn’t how Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Nestor Cortes Jr. imagined his return to the Bronx.
The New York Yankees hit home runs on each of the first three pitches Cortes threw to them in the first inning of Saturday afternoon’s game at Yankee Stadium.
First, it was Paul Goldschmidt. Then it was Cody Bellinger. Then Aaron Judge.
It was the first time in team history that the Yankees hit four home runs in one inning. It was also the first time in Yankees history that each of their first three hitters hit home runs consecutively.
After the barrage, Brewers pitching coach Chris Hook visited with Cortes to give him a breather.
Two outs later, catcher Austin Wells made it four solo shots off Cortes, who doubled over briefly in disbelief at the power surge. It was the 16th pitch of the inning for Cortes.
In the winter, the Yankees traded the fan-favorite Cortes to the Brewers in exchange for closer Devin Williams, who earned the save in the Yankees’ 4-2 win over the Brewers on Opening Day on Thursday.
(Photo: Brad Penner / Imagn Images)