The Cleveland Guardians were unable to hit double digits in consecutive home wins, as they lost to the Washington Nationals 5-2 on Sunday.

Cleveland had won nine straight for the longest home streak since the Indians amassed an American League-record 22 wins in a row in 2017.

The Nationals jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the second inning off Cleveland starter Carlos Carrasco (2-5), who came off the injured list.

Joey Meneses drove in two runs with a double. Ildemaro Vargas and Lane Thomas each added an RBI single.

Cleveland second baseman Daniel Scheemann cut the lead in half with a double to right on the first major-league pitch he ever saw. Will Brennan and Gabriel Arias scored on the play.

Unfortunately, that was the only offense Cleveland could muster against Washington starter Jake Irvin (3-5). The Nationals scored an extra run in the fourth on a sacrifice fly by Thomas, and the 5-2 score held up for the rest of the game.

BEST BULLPEN

Even in a losing effort, the Guardians’ bullpen continued to be untouchable. Sam Hentges, Nick Sandlin, Tim Herrin, and Pedro Avila combined to throw five shutout innings in relief of Carrasco.

After the game, Schneemann’s family joined him on the field to celebrate his major-league debut and his first hit.

Longtime Cleveland favorite Pat Tabler joined the radio commentary team for this game. Tom Hamilton talked to him about his uncanny ability to hit with the bases loaded. Tabler was 43-for-88 (almost .500!) with the bases juiced.

Cleveland will open a three-game home series against Kansas City on Tuesday. The Royals trail the Guardians by four games in the American League Central Division.