The Washington Nationals have a serious bullpen problem now. Closer Jonathan Papelbon blew a ninth-inning lead for the second straight game in a 7-6 loss to Cleveland on Tuesday.
Papelbon (2-4, 4.45 ERA, 1.42 WHIP) failed to get an out in the ninth, giving up three runs, all earned, on two hits and two walks.
Over his last two outings, Papelbon has been charged with seven runs in two-thirds of an inning of work.
Washington (58-42) got a strong start from Gio Gonzalez (6-8, 4.44 ERA, 1.36 WHIP), who gave up three runs, two earned, on five hits in six and a third innings, striking out four and walking two.
Anthony Rendon (.257/.340/.421, 12 HR, 38 RBI) and Wilson Ramos (.339/.390/.546, 17 HR, 54 RBI) each homered for the Nats.
The three-month-long slump of 2016 NL MVP Bryce Harper (.240/.380/.458, 20 HR, 55 RBI) continued with an 0-for-5 effort batting in the number two spot in the order.
UVA alum Kyle Crockett (2 holds, 7.71 ERA, 1.29 WHIP) pitched a scoreless inning of relief for Cleveland (57-41).
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Chris Graham
