Ball flying on scorching afternoon in D.C. (Nationals win 7-4)

The heat index was 102 degrees when the Nationals took the field at 4:05 p.m. today for their series finale against the Indians. Is it any surprise the ball is flying out of the park?

Jayson Werth and Francisco Lindor each have clubbed home runs in the game's first three innings, with a couple other doubles off the wall by the Indians, who have rallied to leave things tied 4-4 on a scorching hot day in the District.

Werth launched a three-run homer into the left field bullpen in the bottom of the second, his second homer in as many days. That came one inning after he doubled to deep right field (aided by Abraham Almonte possibly losing the ball in the sun).

So that's six total bases for Werth in two at-bats, during which time he was raised his slugging percentage a full 14 points (from .426 to .440).

Werth also extended his streak of games reaching base to 40, already the longest in the majors this season and only three shy of Ryan Zimmerman's club record (set in 2009).

Wilson Ramos, celebrating his 29th birthday by wearing catcher's gear on this ridiculously hot day, drove in the Nationals' first run with a two-out single up the middle in the bottom of the first. That raised Ramos' batting average to .339, inching ever closer to teammate (and NL-leading hitter) Daniel Murphy, who has dropped to .345 during a 1-for-17 slump.

Handed a 4-1 lead in the third inning, Gio Gonzalez proceeded to give it all right back to Cleveland. The left-hander has given up all his runs today with two outs.

He was one strike away from getting out of the third inning unscathed, but his 3-2 fastball to Lindor was over the plate and crushed to left field for a two-run homer. A pair of doubles off the wall followed, leaving the game tied.

Update: The Nats haven't let up at the plate today. They just scored three runs in the bottom of the third to re-take a 7-4 lead. Trea Turner doubled down the right field line to get it started. Werth followed with a walk, the third time he has reached base today. Almonte then had trouble with another ball to deep right field, this one scored a double for Murphy. Anthony Rendon then capped the rally by turning on an 0-2 pitch and sneaking it down the third base line, bringing home two more runs. They've given Gonzalez a lead back. Can the lefty keep it this time?

Update II: It remains 7-4 Nats after seven innings. Dusty Baker had to turn to his bullpen earlier than he would've liked after Gonzalez put the first two batters on base in the sixth. But Matt Belisle got out of that inning, and then triumverate of Blake Treinen, Oliver Perez and Shawn Kelley got through a scoreless seventh. Kelley will return for the eighth, presumably setting up Mark Melancon for his second save opportunity since joining the team.

Update III: That's your ballgame. Nats win 7-4. Gonzalez, in spite of his erratic start, gets the win. Melancon gets the save. The Nationals improve to 67-46 and open up a season-high 7 1/2-game lead over the Marlins in the NL East.