Washington Nationals vs Boston Red Sox July 4th 2025
The Boston Red Sox will play the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park in Washington, DC. The game is scheduled for Friday, July 4, 2025, at 11:05 AM. Fans can catch the action on NESN.
The Red Sox have a season record of 43-45 and are 6 games behind in the AL East. Lucas Giolito will start on the mound for Boston. The Nationals have a season record of 37-50 and are 14 games behind in the NL East. Michael Soroka will be the starting pitcher for Washington. The weather is expected to be mild with a clear sky.
Red Sox vs Nationals Key Information
- Sport: Baseball
- Teams: Boston Red Sox vs. Washington Nationals
- Venue: Nationals Park in Washington, DC
- Date: Friday, July 4, 2025
- Betting Odds: Red Sox Moneyline -114, Nationals Moneyline -104, Total Over/Under 8.5 (-110)
The Red Sox Can Win If…
The Boston Red Sox recently faced the Cincinnati Reds, losing 4-8. Despite the loss, the Red Sox showed strong hitting with 11 hits and 6 extra-base hits. Wilyer Abreu hit a home run, contributing 2 RBIs, while Trevor Story added 3 hits, including a double.
Boston’s batting lineup is solid, ranking 6th in slugging percentage at .422 and leading the league in doubles with 172. Their ability to hit for power gives them a chance to score runs quickly. With players like Wilyer Abreu and Trevor Story, they have the firepower to challenge any pitcher.
On the mound, Lucas Giolito will start for the Red Sox with an ERA of 3.99. Giolito’s performance can be a key factor, as he has shown the ability to go deep into games. His matchup against the Nationals’ Michael Soroka, who has an ERA of 4.70, could favor the Red Sox if Giolito delivers a strong outing.
The Nationals Can Win If…
The Washington Nationals are coming off a strong win against the Detroit Tigers with a score of 11-7. James Wood was the standout player, going 5-for-5 with a home run and two RBIs. Jake Irvin pitched six innings, allowing three hits and three runs, providing a solid performance on the mound.
The Nationals have been hitting well this season, ranking 10th in batting average at .247. They also rank 6th in doubles with 143, showing their ability to get extra-base hits. With a lineup featuring power hitters like Nathaniel Lowe and James Wood, the Nationals have the potential to score big.
Michael Soroka will start for the Nationals with a 4.70 ERA and a WHIP of 1.03. His ability to keep hitters off base will be key against the Red Sox. With the Nationals’ recent hitting form and Soroka’s pitching, they have a good chance to win their next game.
The Lean
The Red Sox are favored with a moneyline of -114 against the Nationals at -104. The Red Sox have a higher slugging percentage and more home runs this season. My model projects the Red Sox to win with a score of 5-4. Based on these factors, the recommendation is to pick the Red Sox to win straight up.
The total for the game is set at 8.5 runs, with both the over and under at -110. The Red Sox have a team ERA of 4.00, while the Nationals have a higher ERA of 5.09. My model projects a total score of 9 runs. Therefore, the recommendation is to take the over on the total.
A Homecoming for Giolito as Red Sox Open Series in Washington
It is a full-circle moment for Lucas Giolito. Over a decade after he was drafted by the Washington Nationals, the veteran right-hander will make his first career start against his original organization as the Boston Red Sox open a three-game series against the host Washington Nationals in a special July 4th matinee.
Giolito’s Dominant Run
Giolito (4-1, 3.99 ERA) comes into this emotional start as one of the hottest pitchers in baseball. He is 3-0 with a minuscule 0.72 ERA over his last four starts. Despite his success, his name has been mentioned in trade rumors, but Giolito has made his feelings clear.
“I don’t want to be traded,” he said this week. “I really love it here. I want to help this team win games.”
The James Wood Show
The Nationals are coming into this series feeling good after a big win over the Tigers, a game dominated by their young superstar, James Wood. On the same day he was named to the Home Run Derby, Wood had five hits, including a homer, and drove in two runs.
“James continues to amaze us,” said teammate Paul DeJong. “He has such an edge mentally… he’s showing all the greatness that he can do.”
Boston’s Defensive Woes
While Giolito has been dominant, his defense has not. The Red Sox have the most errors in the American League, a sloppy trend that has cost them multiple games this season. “If you look back at the season, there’s been a lot of those (games) that have slipped through our hands,” a frustrated manager Alex Cora said. “We’ve got to play better defense.” This is a key factor to consider, a topic often discussed in our expert betting guide.
The Pitching Matchup
Wednesday’s pitching matchup features two right-handers in excellent form. While Giolito has been nearly unhittable, the Nationals will counter with Michael Soroka (3-5, 4.70 ERA), who is coming off one of his best starts of the season where he allowed just one run over six innings. This duel between two hot pitchers will be a key focus on the scores and odds board.
For two MLB teams looking to start the holiday weekend with a win, this game is a fantastic matchup. To see who our experts think will win, check out our daily MLB picks.