Red Sox First Baseman Willson Contreras Hurt in Win Over Rangers

Contreras Forced Out of Game

The Boston Red Sox secured a 4-3 victory over the Texas Rangers in Arlington, Texas, on Thursday night, but the win came with a major concern. First baseman Willson Contreras had to leave the game in the eighth inning after being struck by a pitch.

The injury happened in the area of his right hand. Contreras was hit by a first-pitch sinker thrown by Rangers pitcher Jakob Junis. This occurred right after Wilyer Abreu drew a leadoff walk, with Texas leading the game 3-1 at the time.

Contreras walked to first base in obvious pain. A team trainer examined him on the field, and he was then taken to the dugout. Before exiting the game, Contreras had one hit in three at bats, which was a single.

Story Saves the Night

Despite losing Contreras, the Red Sox offense responded immediately. Just two batters after the injury, Trevor Story hit a three run home run off Texas pitcher Jacob Latz.

Story's home run turned the game around, giving Boston the lead and eventually the 4-3 win. It was a massive moment for the Red Sox, who had been struggling to generate runs earlier in the game.

Hit Twice in Two Nights

This is the second night in a row that Contreras has been hit by a pitch. On Wednesday night, he was also hit by a pitch during Boston's 7-3 loss to the Rangers.

Earlier in Wednesday's game, Contreras had hit a two run home run in the first inning. The Red Sox will be hoping that his hand injury is not serious as they look ahead to their upcoming games.

What it means for the next game

Boston Red Sox at Tampa Bay Rays (MLB, Fri, 18 Sep): Tampa Bay Rays win 48%, Boston Red Sox win 52%; projected score Tampa Bay Rays 4, Boston Red Sox 4. Our safest pick: Rays +2.5.

Boston Red Sox at Tampa Bay Rays (MLB, Sat, 19 Sep): Tampa Bay Rays win 48%, Boston Red Sox win 52%; projected score Tampa Bay Rays 4, Boston Red Sox 4. Our safest pick: Rays +2.5.