Red Sox 5, Nationals 4: Big Time Bullpen

The general attitude surrounding the Red Sox and the status of their season was much better coming out of this weekend than just seven days ago. The Red Sox followed up a sweep at the hands of their division — and Wild Card — rival Blue Jays by winning series against Kansas City and Detroit in a 5-2 week. Following the last of the team’s off-days until the 31st, their lengthy road trip started in Washington against the Nationals.

The Nationals have not had a great season, coming into this one 53-66, but this Red Sox team has been characteristically streaky, so with the final AL Wild Card spot within grasp, no series is worth writing off as a surefire win or loss. Boston’s starter tonight was…