Strasburg stellar, Nats 1st to clinch

WASHINGTON — The shortest game of the season at Nationals Park turned into a lengthy afternoon. It was well worth it when the Nationals became the first team to clinch a playoff spot this year.

Stephen Strasburg extended his scoreless streak to a franchise-record 34 innings as the Nationals beat the Phillies 3-2 on Sunday in 2 hours, 16 minutes. About 90 minutes later, the Nationals clinched their fourth NL East title in six seasons when the Braves beat the Marlins on a walk-off 11th-inning home run.

“This one was very, very gratifying,” manager Dusty Baker said. “Even though it looked like we had a comfortable lead, it was still a struggle. A lot of our top guys were hurt.”

The Nationals also won the NL East in 2012, 2014 and last year, but they haven’t advanced past the divisional round.

“It’s the most well-balanced team we’ve had,” GM Mike Rizzo said. “We’re very efficient offensively. We don’t strike out nearly as (much as) we did in ’12, ’14 and ’16. We think we have more ways to score. Our rotation is ... as good as it gets.”

Strasburg, who was shut down before the playoffs in 2012 in his first season after Tommy John surgery, has just one career postseason start. Now he’s pitching better than ever, joining Max Scherzer and Gio Gonzalez in a formidable trio.

Strasburg (13-4) threw two-hit ball for eight innings and struck out 10. Since returning from the DL, he is 3-1 with an 0.51 ERA, 41 strikeouts and four walks.

“It just comes with trust,” Strasburg said. “Trust your ability, trust your stuff.”

Trea Turner homered and tripled for the Nationals, and Victor Robles got his first majorleague hit and RBI.