Nationals lose to Red Sox 10-3 on July 6 as Boston gets its 10,000th win. Despite the loss, James Wood's All-Star campaign shines with another big day.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was one of those days at Nationals Park. A Sunday afternoon that started with promise ended in a lopsided 10-3 defeat to the Boston Red Sox, a historic day for the visitors who notched their 10,000th franchise win. While the final score stings, Nats fans are witnessing something truly special every time James Wood steps to the plate, a silver lining so bright it almost outshines the loss itself.
James Wood leads MLB with 12 home runs hit harder than 110 MPH and 50 batted balls over 108 MPH, cementing his status as one of the game's elite power hitters.
The series finale against Boston got out of hand early. Starter Shota Ogasawara couldn't find his rhythm, surrendering a barrage of extra-base hits, including a third-inning homer to Ceddanne Rafaela and a triple to Jarren Duran that set the tone. The Red Sox offense was relentless, putting the game out of reach and leaving the Nats to play catch-up. There were small sparks—Joey Meneses drove in a run and Nick Lowe hustled to score twice—but it wasn't nearly enough to overcome the early deficit. The loss drops the Nationals to 37-51 on the season, a tough pill to swallow at home.
Even on a day where the team struggled, James Wood found a way to shine. By reaching base safely yet again, he extended his streak to 14 consecutive games. This is just the latest chapter in what has been an All-Star caliber tear. Over his last 15 games, Wood is hitting an absurd .322/.420/.678 with six homers and 18 RBIs. He's not just hitting for power; he's producing some of the loudest contact in all of baseball, leading the league in multiple hard-hit categories. He is the unquestionable bright spot and the primary reason to tune in every single night.
The loss marked the end of a grueling 16-game stretch without a day off and pushed the Nationals past the season's halfway mark. While the 37-51 record isn't what anyone hoped for, Manager Dave Martinez remains optimistic about his young squad's development. 'I think we've been playing a lot better... We're in every game,' he commented recently. There's evidence to back him up, particularly with the team's power surge since late June, ranking second in the NL in home runs over that span. Along with Wood, CJ Abrams is also making a strong All-Star case, providing a dynamic one-two punch for the future.
As the trade deadline nears, the focus shifts to the future. Don't expect top prospects like pitcher Travis Sykora—who was just promoted to Double-A Harrisburg—to be on the move. The front office is building, not selling off the core. However, some prospects like infielder King, who has shown an improved bat, could become valuable trade chips for major-league-ready pitching. The pipeline is flowing, with Robert Hassell III, Daylen Lile, Brad Lord, and Cole Henry all making their MLB debuts this season, and Yohandy Morales now knocking on the door at Triple-A.
The loss to Boston was a reality check, but the 2025 season was always about growth. The daily brilliance of James Wood, the development of young players, and the promise of the farm system are the real stories to follow. Now, the team heads out for a tough West Coast trip, another test for a young roster learning to win. The wins and losses matter, but the progress of the foundation matters more.
