Cortez finds rhythm with A&M as bullpen weapon

Carlos and Tammy Cortez have been cheering loud and proud at the CWS
Published: Jun. 21, 2024 at 6:34 PM CDT

OMAHA, Nebraska (KBTX) - Texas A&M and Tennessee are meeting in the College World Series final starting Saturday night.

One of the factors that’s helped this year’s A&M team is pitching.

One of those pitchers is Chris Cortez. He’s found his rhythm in this year’s pitching rotation.

He finished last season with 32 strikeouts and this year he has 95 and counting. Now he’s on the biggest stage with his family by his side.

Carlos and Tammy Cortez have been cheering loud and proud at the CWS. They’ve even stood in the same spot for each spirit walk as the team leaves the hotel because the Aggies are undefeated in Omaha.

Chris is from Las Vegas and this is his third season with A&M.

He made an appearance in the Aggies 2022 College World Series run.

“Don’t make me cry.. it’s overwhelming,” Tammy Cortez, Chris’ mother said about watching him in Omaha. “He came here as a freshman and now he’s a junior and we couldn’t be more proud. It’s absolutely overwhelming.”

“From when he started as a little kid to now.. it’s a big difference,” Carlos Cortez, Chris’ father siad. “He’s made a big jump physically, emotionally and mentally. It’s been awesome to watch him.”

Chris had a career high ten strikeouts against Oregon in the Super Regional.

He had six against Florida in their first game of the CWS.

The Aggies are going to need him this weekend against Tennessee.