Nestor Cortes is known for having a lot of guts. Even before he said hes willing to risk next season for a ring, everyone knew Cortes had guts going for him. But . Though it wasnt quite shocking Aaron Boone showed amazing faith in the gutsy, beloved Cortes, choosing him to pitch to Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman with the game on the line in the 10th inning, it was a gamble not worth taking. Aaron Boone, #17 of the New York Yankees, walks back to the dugout after Luke Weaver, #30, comes into the game during the 8th inning. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post Tim Hill was ready, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Jersey . Hill has dominated this October, allowing just one run in 5 / innings. You cant throw someone in there who A) hadnt pitched in five weeks, and B) is a starting pitcher without a high-velocity fastball, one scout said of Cortes, who gave up the game-winning grand slam to Freddie Freeman in the Yankees 6-3 Game 1 defeat. More From Jon Heyman He hasnt pitched in over a month! a second scout said incredulously. Its not like Boone had Tanner Scott, Josh Hader or an honest-to-goodne s shutdown lefty to face two of the toughest left-handed hitters in baseball, if not the two best left-handed hitters. But he did have a lefty whos been doing that job, and doing it well all year, in Hill. Though it wasnt quite shocking Aaron Boone showed amazing faith in the gutsy, beloved Cortes, choosing him to pitch to Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman with the game on the line. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post Nobody in the Yankees clubhouse questioned the call to go with Cortes. Hill said, Whatever Boonie decides, we all trust him. Follow The Posts coverage of the Yankees in the postseason: Boone defended the call. Nestor Cortes walks off the mound after giving up the game-winning grand slam to Freddie Freeman in the 10th inning of the Yankees 6-3 lo s to the Dodgers in Game 1 of the World Series. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post Just liked the matchup, he said. The reality is hes been throwing the ball really well the last few weeks he gotten ready for this. I knew with one out there it would be tough to double up Shohei if Tim Hill gets him on the ground and then Mookie [Betts{ behind him is a tough matchup there. So felt convicted with Nestor in that spot. Cortes said he felt ready. Once I got in, I had all the confidence in the world, Cortes said. Cortes oozes confidence, and guts, too. But sometimes that isnt enough. Talen Horton-Tucker Jersey