Red Sox’s Contreras Warns Brewers: ‘I’ll Respond If Hit Again’
In a tense matchup, Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras expressed his frustration after being hit by a pitch during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers. The incident occurred in the third inning when Brewers pitcher Brandon Woodruff’s sinker grazed Contreras’s hand. This event, part of a long history of being hit by pitches from Milwaukee, has left Contreras vowing to retaliate if it happens again.
Contreras’s Frustration with Milwaukee
Following the game, which the Red Sox lost 8-6 at Fenway Park, Contreras commented on the significance of this particular hit: “That’s the 24th time they’ve hit me in my career,” he stated. He further emphasized that this was the sixth time Woodruff specifically has hit him. “Next time they hit me again, I’m going to take one of them out. That’s a message,” he added.
Statistics Show a Pattern
Willson Contreras has faced Milwaukee 121 times, and has been hit by pitches 24 times—a record for active players against a single team. Of those, he has been plunked six times by Woodruff in just 30 plate appearances. Contreras insists that this frequency is not coincidental, saying, “They’re going there with a purpose.”
Reactions from the Brewers
The Brewers appeared unfazed by Contreras’s comments. Woodruff downplayed the situation, stating, “We’ve been through this … every year.” Christian Yelich added that such incidents are not surprising and simply part of the game’s dynamics. “You keep it rolling; you got a game to win,” Yelich remarked.
Contreras’s brother, Brewers catcher William Contreras, attempted to defuse the situation but noted the challenges of calming Willson during games. Despite their family ties, Willson said, “No, we don’t need to talk about it,” when asked if he had discussed the incident with William.
Contreras’s Strong Performance
In addition to the drama surrounding the pitches, Willson Contreras had an impressive game, reaching base five times—tying a career high. He recorded three hits and a home run in the ninth inning, showcasing his competitiveness. Following his home run, he celebrated with an emphatic bat flip and a stare toward the Brewers dugout.
Contreras’s aggressive playing style was evident when he slid hard into second base during a force out, a play that tore the pant leg of shortstop David Hamilton. He remarked, “That was a perfect, legal slide.” His intensity carried on as he continued to display passion throughout the game, even after making a diving stop that ended the sixth inning.
Looking Ahead
As tensions rise, Contreras believes that similar confrontations may happen in future games. “They’re going to hit me again,” he predicted. The Red Sox and the Brewers meet again for games on Tuesday and Wednesday, and Contreras’s health and safety remain his primary concern. He stated emphatically, “If they don’t care about my health, and they hit me again, I’m going to try to take one of them out.”
