DURANGO, HS – Silverado visited the campus of Durango High School on Tuesday.  Both teams looking to rebound from difficult losses last Saturday but only one would come out victorious. The visiting Skyhawks struck for 3 in the top of the first, taking advantage of several Trailblazer miscues. Silverado starter, ’21 Christopher Cortez was outstanding for the Skyhawks, turning in just the performance they needed.  Cortez tossed a four inning no- hitter, facing two hitters over the minimum as a result of one walk and a throwing error.  The Silverado offense would score in all four of their half innings, plating 16 in total.  Cortez was equally as potent offensively. Hitting for himself, he collected three hits as did shortstop, Andrew Maxwell.  Six of nine Skyhawk starters had multiple hits and all but one starter collected at a hit. PBR Nevada takes a closer look at Cortez below:

’21 Christopher Cortez, RHP (Silverado)

Sturdy, 6-foot 175, Cortez showed strength and durability.  He throws from a high ¾ slot, pitching from an all stretch delivery.  The all stretch delivery is simple and easy to repeat. Cortez loads well over the rubber with a shorter than expected arm swing that moves quickly through the box. His fastball ranged 87-92, touching 93 and he did not throw a fastball under 90 in his last inning of work. He threw downhill showing the ability to consistently get to his glove side and compete in the strike zone.  His curveball came in 71-75, flashing depth and bite in the zone. He misfired a few times as he appeared to lose grip on release. He showed a changeup 79-82 with down plane. Limited looks at the changeup displayed consistent arm speed and a developing feel for the pitch. It is easy to be enamored with his abilities on the mound, but Cortez is an athlete off the mound and would not rule him out as a potential two way player at the next level