BOTTOM LINE: The Boston Red Sox will try to sweep a three-game series with a win over the Washington Nationals. Washington has a 37-52 record overall and an 18-27 record in home games. The Nationals have gone 20-12 in games when they did not allow a home run.

The Red Sox have won six straight to get back into the Wild Card mix, but will their winning ways continue against tougher competition before and after the All-Star break.

Jordan Hicks allowed a run in the ninth but earned the save as the Red Sox took care of business in the first of two series against terrible teams. Up next is a three-game home set against the Rockies.