Tribe sets HR record in loss to Nationals

WASHINGTON >> The Indians hit four home runs against the Nationals on Sept. 28, breaking their franchise record for a season with 222.

But Gerardo Parra’s grand slam, part of a nine-run second inning for Washington, was too much to overcome in a 10-7 decision in favor of the Nationals.

“I care more about finding a way to be one run better than the other team, whether it takes 10 singles or five homers,” Tribe manager Terry Francona said. “I don’t care. All I care about is us winning, and, however we get to that, I’ll take it.”

That didn’t happen enough in 2019 to extend the season, and Cleveland has lost four games in a row.

An 8-2 defeat at Washington on Sept. 27 eliminated the Indians from the playoff race after they won the previous three AL Central titles.

The Nationals’ surge to hosting the NL wild-card game started after they brought aboard Parra, whose dugout dancing and “Baby Shark” walk-up music became the trademarks of the club’s turnaround.

“You guys are feeling the good vibes in here,” Parra said. “It’s like a family.”

Nationals Park will be the site of a win-or-gohome game Oct. 1 between Washington, which will send three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer to the mound, and either the Cardinals or Brewers. One of those clubs will be the NL Central champion; the other will be the league’s second wild-card entry.

“That’s awesome. I don’t have to go home and pack,” Nationals manager Dave Martinez said. “Nice to stay at home. The boys wanted to stay at home, so they

came out and swung the bats.”

Asked before the Sept. 28 game about the importance of clinching home-field advantage, Scherzer said: “Would it be nice? Yes. But is it imperative? No. We’re ready to play anybody, anywhere.”

Sure looks that way at the moment. Washington extended its winning streak to seven games, the longest run this season for a team that was 19-31 before heading in the right direction.

“We’re hot at the right time,” said starter Patrick Corbin.

Playing in place of an ill Victor Robles, Parra drove in four runs Sept. 27 — with a homer, a double and a sacrifice fly — and continued his surge Sept. 28, going 2 for 2 in the second inning alone.

That included his second grand slam with Washington, which signed him in May to a deal worth the $555,000 minimum after the 32-year-old outfielder was designated for assignment by San Francisco.

“Unbelievable. Unbelievable. Yesterday was a big day,” Parra said, “but I think today is another big day.”

His most notable contributions

to the Nationals would have to be the posthomer dance line anyone who goes deep has to participate in and his choice of a repetitive children’s song to precede his at-bats. Nationals fans have taken to vigorously clapping along whenever “Baby Shark” plays, and they certainly made themselves heard.

Was that the most vociferous he’s heard so far?

“It’s hard to say,” Parra answered, “because every at-bat, I hear more loud, loud, loud.”

hit his 37th of the year, and Eric Haase hit the first of his career.