WASHINGTON (AP) — Jayson Werth hit a three-run home run, Anthony Rendon had a two-run double and the Washington Nationals’ offense awoke in a 7-4 victory against the Cleveland Indians on Wednesday.
Werth was 2 for 3 and scored three runs to lead the outburst. Rendon and Ben Revere each went 2 for 4.
Washington had scored three runs in its previous three games combined, a stretch of futility that manager Dusty Baker said was “a little bit past a blip” even without reigning National League MVP Bryce Harper.
It was a welcome output on a day that left-hander Gio Gonzalez (8-9) didn’t have his best stuff. Gonzalez allowed four runs and seven hits, including a home run by Francisco Lindor, and struck out five in five-plus innings.
The Nationals knocked around Josh Tomlin (11-5), who allowed seven runs and eight hits and struck out four in four-plus innings.
Recently acquired closer Mark Melancon made quick work of Cleveland to pick up the save.
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