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.

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.

Shinnosuke Ogasawara’s MLB debut wasn’t enough to avoid major change at Nationals Park.