Nats down Pirates, clinch NL East title
PITTSBURGH – Jayson Werth’s wide grin belied the fact that the Washington Nationals right fielder is an old hand at clubhouse celebrations, having played on eight division-winning teams during his 14-year big league career.
Werth’s latest crown came Saturday night when the Nationals clinched their third National League East title in five years, beating the Pittsburgh Pirates, 6-1, behind 5 1/3 scoreless innings from rookie reliever Reynaldo Lopez.
‘’ It’s never gets old,’’ Werth said. ‘’Never.’’
Stephen Drew’s two-run single capped a three-run first inning for the Nationals, who return to the postseason after a one-year absence. Their win ensured a playoff berth, and they won the division about 20 minutes later when the second-place New York Mets lost to Philadelphia.
‘’It’s such a hard thing to accomplish,’’ Werth said. ‘’You spent six months trying to do it. It’s why you go to spring training early, so you can do everything possible to put yourself in positon to win the division.’’
The Nationals won the division in Dusty Baker’s first season as manager. He replaced Matt Williams, who was fired following a 2015 season that began with high hopes of Washington reaching the World Series for the first time in franchise history.
Baker had been out of the game for two years after being fired by the Cincinnati Red following the 2013 season, four days after they lost to the Pirates in the NL wild card.
‘’That’s what I came here for,’’ Baker said, standing in a corner of the clubhouse and watching his players celebrate. ‘’I’m telling you – let these young men have a great time tonight, back to work tomorrow. First step in a four-step process. This step is the hardest to get. I’m just so happy for these guys. I love them. I love this team.’’