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.

Buehler held Washington to three runs (two earned) — with no walks — in five-plus innings in his longest outing since June 11.

Ceddanne Rafaela has seven home runs since June 1 and is helping spark offense for the Red Sox offense of late.