Byron Buxton and the Twins absolutely lit up Nestor Cortes (Video)

Byron Buxton, Ryan Jeffers and the Minnesota Twins unloaded on Nestor Cortes to put a dent in the Yankees’ pitcher’s impressive start to the season.

Going into Wednesday’s game between the Yankees and the Twins, Nestor Cortes had the best ERA in the MLB and a streak of 19 games without allowing four or more earned runs.

Minnesota brought him back to earth hard.

New York yanked Cortes in the fifth inning after Byron Buxton and Ryan Jeffers hit absolute bombs off him.

When he left the game, Cortes had allowed seven hits and four earned runs. The Yankees trailed 4-1 by the end of the fifth.

Byron Buxton and the Twins proved Nestor Cortes is human

The Twins also roughed up Jameson Taillon on Tuesday night. He gave up nine hits and four earned runs in his four innings of work, but the Yankees offense pulled through for a 10-4 victory.

Both Cortes and Taillon have been integral to New York’s success this season with their outstanding performances on the mound. But they’re both human and the Twins proved that over the last two games.

The question for Cortes is how he’ll handle this setback. The last time he allowed four earned runs, he bounced back with seven strikeouts and just one earned run despite giving up seven hits in his next start. History suggests he’ll be just fine.

The Yankees had won seven in a row and 11 of their last 12 before Wednesday. The hiccup against the Twins looks likely to end their winning streak but they’re still in control of the AL East and well on their way to contending for a World Series.

The Twins lead the AL Central as they too look to solidify their postseason hopes.