WASHINGTON -- The Nationals broke a tie with a three-run fifth inning and defeated the Indians, 7-4, at Nationals Park on Wednesday afternoon. The two clubs ended up splitting the two-game series.
With right-hander Josh Tomlin on the mound for Cleveland, Daniel Murphy broke the 4-4 deadlock by hitting a double to left field, scoring Trea Turner. Two batters later, Anthony Rendon also doubled to left field, scoring Jayson Werth and Murphy to take a three-run lead. Tomlin has been shaky lately, allowing 14 runs on 17 hits in his past two starts (8 2/3 innings).
Nationals left-hander Gio Gonzalez picked up his eighth win of the season, but he wasn't at his best. He was given a 4-1 lead after two innings, but the Indians made a comeback in the fourth and tied the game. Francisco Lindor highlighted the scoring with a two-run homer. Mike Napoli scored the tying run on a double by Jose Ramirez.
By the end of the game, manager Dusty Baker ended up emptying the bullpen in order to get the last nine outs of the game. He used five relievers -- Matt Belisle, Blake Treinen, Oliver Perez, Shawn Kelley and closer Mark Melancon -- in order to get the victory.
MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
The streak is alive: Werth extended his on-base streak to 40 games on Wednesday. He went 2-for-3, knocked in three runs and hit his 15th home run of the season.
Homer prone: Tomlin has always been susceptible to home runs, but the righty prides himself on limiting damage before any surrendered shots. In the second inning, some tough luck came into play. A bunt single by Danny Espinosa and a bloop hit from Ben Revere preceded Werth's three-run shot to left field. In his previous outing, Tomlin gave up a grand slam against the Yankees. On the year, the righty has given up a Major League-high 27 home runs.
Bill Ladson has covered the Nationals/Expos for MLB.com since 2002 and writes an MLBlog, All Nats All the Time. He also can be found on Twitter @WashingNats.
Jordan Bastian has covered the Indians for MLB.com since 2011, and previously covered the Blue Jays from 2006-10. Read his blog, Major League Bastian, follow him on Twitter @MLBastian and listen to his podcast.
This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
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