Xander Bogaerts clubbed a long three-run homer in the first inning and Alex Verdugo collected his MLB-leading seventh outfield assist of the season, throwing a runner out at the plate in the fifth that would have cut Boston's lead to 5-4.
The Red Sox wasted no time in jumping on Aníbal Sánchez 5-8-5-0-4, 85). After the Nationals left men at first and third in the top of the first, Alex Verdugo (2-for-4, stolen base, run) led off the home half with a single to left. J.D. Martinez doubled with one out.
Bogaerts (3-for-4, single, double, home run, stolen base, run, 3 RBI) crushed the first pitch over everything to left-center, scoring three.