Leading into the All-Star break, the New York Yankees snapped out of a series losing streak by winning against AL-East leaders Baltimore Orioles. The high-voltage series kicked off with the eruption of a physical brawl following a hit-by-pitch incident that saw both sides throwing punches.
Meanwhile, the New York Yankees rose above the tensions to win the first two games and seal the three-game series. However, the Yanks had the stage set for a sweep before Alex Verdugo and Anthony Volpe committed costly errors on the field. While the Yanks were shell-shocked, ex-Red Sox hitter David Ortiz enjoyed every moment of the Orioles’ comeback.
Ortiz Expresses Profound Dislike For Yankees At All-Star Event!
The New York Yankees’ final game before the All-Star break was a painful watch for the fans as they let the Baltimore Orioles snatch a victory from the jaws of defeat and also avoid a series sweep. It all started with rookie first baseman Ben Rice putting the Yanks in a 5-3 lead with a thunderous three-run home run. Up until the ninth inning, the Bombers had maintained the lead and were heading for a sweet sweep finish. However, Clay Holmes ended up blowing his save completely. He allowed all the bases to load, and under pressure, shortstop Anthony Volpe and left fielder Alex Verdugo cracked. Volpe fumbled a ground ball to allow a run, which reduced the lead to 5-4.
Moreover, Alex Verdugo tripped on a catch that had a 99% success probability that allowed Cedric Mullins to hit a walk of 2 runs for his team to snatch a 6-5 victory. Meanwhile, David Ortiz, the legendary former Boston Red Sox slugger, didn’t shy away from expressing his true feelings while watching the dramatic finish to the game. At the All-Star media event, Ortiz was talking to Orioles players when he said that he loved watching the Yankees lose in the finale. “When I watch the Yankees lose, nothing makes me more happy than that. You guys coming from behind and whoop them,” Ortiz said. Notably, Ortiz has firsthand experience with the intensity of the Bombers and Red Sox rivalry. Hence, he thrives on the historic rivalry and enjoys seeing the Yanks struggle, a sentiment that resonates with millions of Red Sox fans.
Nestor Cortes Takes Indirect Dig At Ortiz
Meanwhile, it appears David Ortiz’s All-Star comments on New York Yankees didn’t sit well with Yankee starting pitcher Nestor Cortes. During the All-Star game, Cortes took to his X handle to hit out at critics for speaking ill about the franchise. He said those who bad mouth Yanks in reality wants to be a part of the esteemed franchise.
Behind the hate is profound jealousy, says Cortes. Not only that, Nestor Cortes expressed that he is proud to be wearing the pinstripes each day and that he gets to be on a postseason-contending team each year. While the pitcher didn’t name anyone, the timing of his tweet indicated that he was calling out Ortiz for his criticism.
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