Woodruff Shuts Down Red Sox-Contreras Fireworks

Brewers pitcher responds to Willson Contreras' comments after hitting him with a pitch.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 12:05pm

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An extreme close-up of two baseball players in mid-confrontation, their faces and uniforms blurred into a vibrant expressionist painting of neon colors and rapid brushstrokes, capturing the raw energy and emotion of their on-field clash.The heated rivalry between the Brewers and Red Sox boils over as the two teams clash on the field, with tensions rising between star players.Boston Today

In a heated matchup between the Boston Red Sox and Milwaukee Brewers, tensions flared after Brewers pitcher Brandon Woodruff hit Red Sox first baseman Willson Contreras with a pitch. Contreras, who has been hit by Brewers pitchers 24 times in his career, expressed frustration and threatened retaliation if hit again. Woodruff responded by brushing off Contreras' comments, saying he wouldn't let it affect his performance on the mound.

Why it matters

The ongoing feud between Contreras and the Brewers highlights the tensions that can arise between players and teams over hit-by-pitch incidents. As the two teams continue their series, the potential for further confrontation looms, adding an extra layer of drama to the on-field action.

The details

In the third inning of Monday's game, Woodruff hit Contreras with a pitch, leading to some jawing between the two players. Contreras then took a hard slide into second base in his next at-bat, further escalating the situation. After the game, Contreras made it clear that he would 'take one of them out' if he was hit by the Brewers again. Woodruff, however, dismissed Contreras' comments, saying he wouldn't let them affect his pitching.

  • In the third inning of Monday's game, Woodruff hit Contreras with a pitch.
  • Contreras took a hard slide into second base in his next at-bat.

The players

Brandon Woodruff

The Milwaukee Brewers pitcher who hit Willson Contreras with a pitch, sparking the confrontation.

Willson Contreras

The Boston Red Sox first baseman who has been hit by Brewers pitchers 24 times in his career and threatened retaliation if hit again.

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What they’re saying

“We've been through this ... it seems like every year. He's trying to play a game and he's trying to get his side fired up. Once I knew what was going on, I wasn't going to let it affect me on the mound.”

— Brandon Woodruff, Milwaukee Brewers Pitcher

“If another Brewers hurler hits me with a pitch that he's going to be coming back at them.”

— Willson Contreras

What’s next

The Red Sox and Brewers have two more games against one another on Tuesday night and Wednesday afternoon. Every time Contreras steps up to bat, it will be interesting to see if Milwaukee throws close to him again.

The takeaway

This ongoing feud between Contreras and the Brewers highlights the tensions that can arise in baseball over hit-by-pitch incidents. As the two teams continue their series, the potential for further confrontation looms, adding an extra layer of drama to the on-field action.