Red Sox Stay Hot at Fenway: Boston Sweeps Nationals in High-Scoring Series

By Oliver Wiener July 08, 2025 21:12

The Boston Red Sox continued their surge toward contention by completing a commanding three-game sweep of the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park, capped by a thrilling 6-4 victory on July 6, 2025. The sweep not only marked Boston’s first road series sweep since July 2024 but also pushed the team back above .500 for the first time since late June, signaling a potential turning point in their season.

From the outset, the Red Sox set the tone with an explosive first inning, scoring four runs against Nationals rookie left-hander Shinnosuke Ogasawara, who was making his major league debut. Roman Anthony ignited the rally with a run-scoring single, followed by Rob Refsnyder’s RBI double. The highlight came when Trevor Story crushed his 14th home run of the season over the left-center bullpen, a two-run blast that electrified the Boston dugout and fans alike.

Story’s home run was emblematic of Boston’s offensive firepower throughout the series. The Red Sox collected 12 hits in the finale, with Ceddanne Rafaela continuing his hot streak by going 3-for-4, including a crucial ninth-inning solo homer that extended Boston’s lead. Rafaela’s performance was a key factor in Boston’s offensive consistency, as he scored twice and drove in a run, helping the Red Sox maintain control late in the game.

On the mound, Boston’s Garrett Crochet delivered a solid outing, pitching five innings while allowing just two runs and striking out seven. Crochet, who leads the majors with 151 strikeouts before the All-Star break, showed poise despite facing a Nationals lineup that stranded 15 runners on base over the series. “He was just dominant. Everything working: control, command, whatever. Everything was great,” said Red Sox manager Rob Thomson of Crochet’s performance.

The Nationals, despite a valiant effort from rookie Brady House who recorded his first career three-hit game could not overcome their offensive struggles with runners in scoring position. House drove in a run in the third inning, but Washington’s inability to capitalize on 15 stranded runners ultimately doomed their chances.

Boston’s bullpen also played a pivotal role in closing out the game. Reliever Jordan Hicks, acquired in a midseason trade, earned his first save with the Red Sox by shutting down a late Nationals rally. Hicks induced a flyout from pinch hitter CJ Abrams to seal the victory, underscoring the bullpen’s growing reliability.

The sweep lifts Boston’s record to 46-45, a significant milestone as the team looks to build momentum heading into the second half of the season. The Red Sox have now won six of their last eight games, a run that includes strong offensive performances and improved pitching consistency.

Looking ahead, Boston returns home to face the Colorado Rockies in a three-game series starting Monday, with right-hander Richard Fitts slated to start. The Nationals, meanwhile, will regroup and prepare for a road series against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Trevor Story summed up the series succinctly: “We came out aggressive, put pressure on their pitching, and kept the pedal down. It’s a good feeling to sweep on the road and get back over .500.” For the Red Sox, this sweep represents more than just three wins it’s a statement that the team is ready to compete in the tightly contested American League East.