Riley Cornelio’s Homecoming Win | Washington Nationals News

**Corey** (0:00)
It's July 23rd, from the locker room to your ears, this is Washington Nationals News Today, powered by AI. I'm Corey with the story. Riley Cornelio, a pitcher for the Nationals, recently secured his first major league win at Coors Field, a place he knows well from his youth. He pitched one and two-thirds scoreless innings in relief, helping his team to a 7-3 victory. This win came nearly a decade after his last appearance at the stadium during a high school all-star game. Cornelio, who grew up in Colorado Springs, was drafted by the Nationals in the seventh round of the 2022 draft after playing college ball at Texas Christian University. He's been on the radar for a while, even earning Gatorade Colorado Baseball Player of the Year honors in 2018
The young pitcher spoke about how his major league debut was a tough experience, but that it helped prepare him for moments like this.
He mentioned drawing on past difficulties to stay calm and focused when he found himself in a tight spot during this recent game. According to his manager, Blake Butera, it's a special opportunity for any player, especially a rookie, to achieve a significant milestone in their hometown with friends and family watching. Butera hopes Cornelio savers this memory, suggesting it's the kind of moment that stays with you forever. Cornelio's journey from a high school standout to a major league winner highlights the dedication and perseverance required to reach the highest level of the sport. It's a testament to his hard work and the support system he's had along the way.