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Stop the presses – the Boston Red Sox have won two games in a row. That’s right. One more win today and it will be something we call a “winning streak.” Watch out, MLB!
Of course, Boston’s recent win over the Detroit Tigers didn’t come without some serious drama. It’s 2026. There’s always drama in Boston this year, it seems.
The Sox absolutely beat Detroit, 10-3, on Tuesday night in a game that was laughable from the start. Boston jumped on Tigers pitcher Framber Valdez all night long, forcing three homers and touching him for 10 runs over three-plus innings. Yikes.
Framber Valdez of the Detroit Tigers walks to the clubhouse after being thrown out during the fourth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Comerica Park in Detroit, Mich., on May 5, 2026. (Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)
Valdez’s fourth and final inning is where things really went south. He gave up a mammoth home run to Wilson Contreras to start the frame, then another to Wilyer Abreu. The third batter of the inning, Trevor Story, was then tied in the back on the first pitch from Valdez.
And that’s when things spiraled:
The NESN stand tears Valdez, rightfully so
“You can’t get them out so you throw at them. What a joke. The one guy that caused it is hiding in the back,” NESN analyst Will Middlebrooks said.
“It’s weak,” added play-by-play man Dave O’Brien. “You give up three home runs, back-to-back shots, and then you drill Trevor Story.”
And just to bring it all home:
“Well, let’s just hope he doesn’t cross his catcher now that he’s mad,” Middlebrooks said.
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I mean, just a beatdown from the Red Sox … and their broadcast team! Finally this team is showing some FIGHT this season. It only took six weeks. Better late than never, I guess.
Manager AJ Hinch of the Detroit Tigers argues with Willson Contreras of the Boston Red Sox during the fourth inning at Comerica Park in Detroit on May 5, 2026. (Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)
Obviously this was deliberate. Valdez tried to play dumb after the game when asked about it, but come on. Stevie Wonder knew he plunked Trevor Story on purpose. It’s the oldest trick in the book.
You have been shaken all night long. You’ve given up 10 (!!!) runs before the fans even got to their seats. Wilson Contreras hit his to the moon and threw his bat to first base.
So, of course, someone will be affected. That someone happened to be Trevor Story, right in the middle of the numbers in the back. That’s Pitching 101.
As for the Red Sox broadcast team ripping Valdez, I don’t blame them either. Will Middlebrooks is a former major leaguer. He’s seen it all. He is not shy in the NESN or WEEI booth, nor should he be. Have your say! That’s why you’re there.
Players and coaches from the Detroit Tigers and Boston Red Sox gather on the field at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan, May 5, 2026, after a hit-by-pitch by Tigers left-hander Framber Valdez. (USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
That is why we want professional athletes in the booth. I want to hear what they think when something like this happens so I can make sure what I’m thinking is correct.
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Now, I didn’t really need that confirmation in this case, but it was still nice to have.
Incidentally, the Red Socks never reciprocated. I expect that to change today.
