Red Sox Batters Explode in 10-3 Victory Over Nationals, Clinch Series Win in D.C.
By [joyce] | Boston Globe Sports | July 5, 2025
WASHINGTON — The Boston Red Sox arrived in Washington this week hoping to keep pace in the hyper-competitive American League East. They leave the nation’s capital with a statement win and a series in their pocket.
On Saturday afternoon, Boston’s offense erupted for a commanding 10-3 victory over the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. With the win, the Red Sox secured the three-game set, improving their season record to 48-38 and staying firmly in the AL playoff hunt.
For Boston fans, it was the kind of performance that had been missing at times during a roller-coaster first half of the season. The bats came alive early, the pitching staff kept Washington’s lineup in check, and the Red Sox showcased the type of complete-game execution that manager Alex Cora has been preaching for weeks.
“This is what we’ve been looking for,” Cora said postgame. “From top to bottom, guys were grinding out at-bats, moving runners, and delivering in big spots. It’s a good way to finish a series on the road.”
Early Offensive Outburst
Boston wasted no time jumping on Nationals starter MacKenzie Gore, who entered the game with a solid 3.58 ERA but didn’t make it past the fourth inning. In the top of the first, Jarren Duran set the tone with a leadoff double down the right-field line. Two batters later, Rafael Devers laced a sharp single to center, scoring Duran for the game’s first run.
The Red Sox added three more runs in the third, thanks to back-to-back doubles from Masataka Yoshida and Tyler O’Neill, followed by a towering two-run homer from rookie Ceddanne Rafaela that cleared the bullpen in left-center field.
By the time Gore departed in the fourth inning, the Red Sox had built a 5-1 lead.
“We were seeing the ball well today,” Devers said through a team interpreter. “Everyone was working counts and getting good pitches to hit. That’s what happens when we stick to our plan.”
Rafaela’s Breakout Moment
One of the afternoon’s biggest bright spots was the performance of Ceddanne Rafaela, who finished 3-for-5 with four RBIs and fell just a triple shy of the cycle. His third-inning homer traveled an estimated 414 feet and provided a jolt of energy in the Boston dugout.
“Ceddanne’s been showing flashes all year,” Cora said. “He’s growing up right before our eyes. His defense has been great, but days like today, when he drives the ball like that, it’s special.”
Rafaela also contributed with a pair of dazzling defensive plays in center field, including a running catch in the gap in the bottom of the fifth that robbed Joey Meneses of extra bases.
“I just wanted to help the team any way I could,” Rafaela said. “The ball felt good off the bat, and on defense, I’m always ready to go get it.”
Solid Pitching From Pivetta
On the mound, veteran right-hander Nick Pivetta gave Boston precisely what they needed: stability and length. Pivetta tossed 6.2 innings, allowing just three runs (two earned) on six hits, while striking out eight and walking one. He kept the Nationals off-balance with a steady mix of fastballs and sharp breaking pitches.
“Nick did a great job keeping them quiet,” Cora said. “He attacked the zone and made big pitches when he had to.”
Pivetta improved his record to 7-5 on the season, lowering his ERA to 3.79.
The bullpen handled the final 2.1 innings without incident, as Josh Winckowski and Chris Martin combined to retire seven of the eight batters they faced.
Nationals’ Struggles Continue
It was another frustrating afternoon for the Nationals, who dropped to 35-51 on the season. Washington’s only offensive highlight came in the second inning, when Lane Thomas launched a solo home run to left field. But beyond that, the Nationals struggled to generate consistent traffic on the bases.
Manager Dave Martinez lamented his club’s inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
“We had some chances early and just couldn’t cash in,” Martinez said. “Against a team like Boston, you’ve got to keep pressure on them, and we didn’t do that today.”
Washington’s bullpen also faltered late, surrendering five runs across the final three innings to turn a manageable deficit into a blowout.
Looking Ahead
The Red Sox will now return home to Fenway Park for a key series against the Minnesota Twins, who have been surging in the AL Central. With the All-Star break looming, Boston is hoping to maintain momentum and continue climbing in the standings.
“This is the stretch that matters,” Devers said. “We want to finish the first half strong.”
As for the Nationals, they’ll try to regroup before beginning a road trip to Philadelphia, where they’ll face a Phillies squad with playoff aspirations of their own.
For now, though, Saturday belonged to the Red Sox — a team determined to prove that their best baseball still lies ahead.
Box Score Highlights:
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BOS: Rafaela 3-5, HR (7), 4 RBI
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BOS: Devers 2-4, RBI
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BOS: Pivetta (W, 7-5) – 6.2 IP, 2 ER, 8 K
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WSH: Thomas 1-4, HR (11)
Attendance: 29,614 at Nationals Park