Contreras Drives in 3 RBIs Against Former Team as Red Sox Top Cardinals 7-1

Ranger Suárez pitches six scoreless innings to earn the win for Boston.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:40am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a baseball game, with sharp geometric shapes and planes of vibrant colors representing the dynamic action on the field.Contreras' clutch hitting and Suárez's dominant pitching propel the Red Sox to a much-needed win over the Cardinals.St. Louis Today

Willson Contreras, who was traded from the St. Louis Cardinals to the Boston Red Sox in the offseason, drove in three runs against his former team to help the Red Sox defeat the Cardinals 7-1 on Saturday night. Ranger Suárez pitched six scoreless innings for the Red Sox, who set a season high for runs scored.

Why it matters

The win is a significant one for the Red Sox, who have struggled to start the season at 2-8 but have now won three of their last four games. Contreras' performance against his former team adds an interesting personal storyline to the game.

The details

Contreras put the Red Sox ahead 2-0 with a two-run double in the fourth inning off Cardinals pitcher Kyle Leahy. He then added a run-scoring single in the ninth inning. Suárez, who signed a $130 million contract with the Red Sox in the offseason, lowered his ERA from 8.64 to 5.02 with the strong outing. Jordan Walker hit a solo home run for the Cardinals in the eighth inning.

  • The game was played on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
  • Contreras' two-run double came in the fourth inning.
  • Walker's home run for the Cardinals came in the eighth inning.

The players

Willson Contreras

A three-time All-Star who was acquired by the Boston Red Sox from the St. Louis Cardinals in a December trade. He drove in three runs against his former team in the game.

Ranger Suárez

The Boston Red Sox pitcher who signed a $130 million, five-year contract as a free agent in the offseason. He pitched six scoreless innings to earn the win.

Jordan Walker

The St. Louis Cardinals player who hit a solo home run, his NL-leading sixth of the season, in the eighth inning.

Kyle Leahy

The St. Louis Cardinals pitcher who started the game and took the loss.

Garrett Whitlock

The Boston Red Sox pitcher who gave up Walker's home run in the eighth inning.

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The takeaway

Contreras' big game against his former team, combined with Suárez's strong pitching performance, helped the struggling Red Sox get an important win and build some momentum as they look to turn their season around.