Nats 10, Red Sox 5: Bats break out to avoid sweep

GAME IN A NUTSHELL: For the second time on this road trip, the Nationals took the field on getaway day needing a win to avoid an unsightly series sweep. And for the second time, they came through, pounding the Red Sox with their best offensive barrage of the young season to head home feeling much better about themselves than they did 18 hours prior.

The Nats batted around during a 6-run top of the fifth and got homers on the day from Ian Desmond and Tyler Moore. They also got big hits from Wilson Ramos and Bryce Harper, with every member of the lineup reaching base at least twice. That offered Gio Gonzalez some cushion, which the left-handed needed at times. He made pitches when he needed to…