Red Sox Rout Cardinals as Contreras Shines Against Former Team

Boston slugger Willson Contreras dominates with 4 hits and 3 RBIs in win over St. Louis.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 11:30am

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An abstract, energetic painting using bold, neon-colored brushstrokes to depict the powerful swing and motion of a baseball player hitting a home run.Willson Contreras' big game against his former team fuels the Red Sox's offensive outburst.Boston Today

Willson Contreras, the former Cardinals catcher now playing for the Boston Red Sox, had a standout performance against his old team, recording 4 hits including a 2-run home run and driving in 3 runs to lead the Red Sox to a 9-3 victory over the Cardinals on Sunday.

Why it matters

Contreras' big game against the Cardinals, the team that drafted and developed him, adds an intriguing personal storyline to the interleague matchup between two historic franchises. The win also keeps the Red Sox in the hunt in the competitive American League East division race.

The details

Contreras, who played for the Cardinals for 7 seasons before signing with the Red Sox as a free agent last offseason, tormented his former team with a 4-hit, 3-RBI performance. His 2-run homer in the 6th inning broke the game open for Boston, who cruised to the 9-3 victory.

  • The game was played on Sunday, April 13, 2026.
  • Contreras' 2-run homer came in the 6th inning.

The players

Willson Contreras

A 30-year-old catcher who spent the first 7 seasons of his MLB career with the St. Louis Cardinals before signing with the Boston Red Sox as a free agent last offseason.

Boston Red Sox

The American League baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts.

St. Louis Cardinals

The National League baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri.

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What they’re saying

“It was a special day for me coming back here and playing against my old team. I'm just glad I could help the Red Sox get the win.”

— Willson Contreras, Red Sox Catcher

The takeaway

Contreras' big game against his former team shows the value he brings to the Red Sox lineup and the personal motivation he had to perform well against the Cardinals, the organization that drafted and developed him over 7 seasons.