Joey Cora’s Coaching Masterclass Stuns Red Sox in 14-2 Tigers Blowout
The Boston Red Sox endured one of their most humiliating defeats of the season after a crushing 14-2 loss to the Detroit Tigers on Monday night. While Detroit’s explosive offense took center stage, an unexpected narrative emerged involving family ties—Red Sox manager Alex Cora surprisingly pointed to his own brother, Joey Cora, as a key factor behind Boston’s downfall.
Joey Cora, currently serving as the third base coach for the Tigers, shared a breakfast with his brother Alex that very morning. But by evening, the siblings found themselves on opposite ends of a one-sided baseball showdown. Though Alex’s remark seemed like a jab, it was ultimately a veiled compliment. He described his brother as a “game-changer” and credited Joey’s base-running strategies as a major reason behind the Tigers’ offensive resurgence.
“He’s a game-changer at third base,” said Alex Cora. “What he does over there is amazing… it’s one of the reasons they got better.”
That aggressive style was on full display. One standout moment came when Riley Greene singled, and Joey Cora waved Colt Keith home. The pressure forced Red Sox outfielder Wilyer Abreu into a rushed play, which he botched, allowing Greene to score and extend Detroit’s lead to 6-0. It was a turning point that captured how Joey’s bold coaching decisions disrupted Boston’s defensive rhythm.
Alex Cora acknowledged Abreu’s miscue: “Abreu just missed it. He was aggressive. We know they’re going to be aggressive running the bases. He rushed himself and he just missed it.”
Despite the rivalry, there’s no animosity between the Cora brothers. If anything, their relationship appears to have grown stronger. Alex expressed joy about being around Joey, especially since it was Joey’s birthday week. “It happens that also his birthday is on Wednesday, so the fact I’m here is cool… to be around him and talk to him and pick his brain is something I always look forward to.”
While their teams compete, the brothers remain each other’s biggest supporters. Alex even touched on Joey’s coaching future, saying that whether or not Joey retires soon, he’ll always be a fan of his older brother’s work. “If it happens, it happens. If not, I know I’m going to have a fan whenever he retires — or I retire.”
As the Red Sox and Tigers continue their series, Joey Cora’s influence remains undeniable. His aggressive coaching continues to breathe life into Detroit’s game, while Boston is left reevaluating its own approach. But beyond the stats and strategy, this story is also a touching reminder that in baseball, family bonds can thrive—even amid fierce competition.