Boone 'liked the matchup' between Cortes, Freeman

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone has pushed almost all the right buttons with his bullpen management this postseason, but his decision to go with Nestor Cortes in relief in the 10th inning backfired in Game 1.

Cortes, pitching for the first time since Sept. 18 because of a flexor strain, surrendered the walk-off grand slam to Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman with two outs in the 10th inning in a 6-3 loss.

"I felt like Nestor could give us a shot at it," Boone told reporters postgame, per SNY.

Cortes relieved Jake Cousins with two on and one out. He got Shohei Ohtani to fly out to left field as Alex Verdugo made an excellent catch diving into the stands. The Yankees then intentionally walked Mookie Betts to load the bases in order for Cortes to face Freeman.

"Just liked the matchup," Boone said of the left-handed Cortes facing the lefty hitting Freeman. "The reality is he's been throwing the ball really well the last few weeks as he's 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 Mookie behind him is a tough matchup there. I felt convicted with Nestor in that spot."

Cortes was left off the ALDS and ALCS rosters as he recovered from injury. He ended up throwing two pitches in Game 1.

"It's a tough one," Cortes said. "Boys battled all night. Tough to give it up right there. I got Ohtani out on a fastball up that I commanded real well. I tried to do the same to Freeman but left it a little down."

Game 2 of the World Series is set for Saturday at 8 p.m. ET.