The rivalry between Willson Contreras and the Milwaukee Brewers added another fiery chapter on Monday. The Boston Red Sox catcher was hit by a pitch for the 24th time in his career against Milwaukee, this time by starter Brandon Woodruff. It marked the sixth time Woodruff has plunked him, a history that clearly hasn't been forgotten.

Contreras didn't hide his frustration, exchanging words with Woodruff on his way to first base. After the game, his message to the Brewers was unequivocal. "They always say, ‘I’m not trying to hit you.’ That gets old," Contreras stated. "So next time they hit me again, I’m going to take one of them out. That’s the message." He emphasized it was no coincidence, saying, "They’re going there with a purpose. That’s fine, that’s pitching. But next time you hit me, the message is clear."

He may have already offered a preview. Following the HBP, on a subsequent ground ball, Contreras delivered a hard, legal slide into second base to break up a double play—a slide so forceful it ripped the pants of Brewers infielder David Hamilton. While Brewers manager Pat Murphy acknowledged the slide was within the rules, Contreras's postgame comments suggest future encounters might not be as clean.

Perhaps the Brewers inadvertently unlocked his best form. The clearly motivated Contreras went 3-for-3 with a walk and a home run in the game, proving that poking the bear can sometimes backfire spectacularly. This long-standing feud promises more high-intensity baseball whenever these teams meet, a testament to the passion and competitive fire that defines the sport.