The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Nats win another NL East crown
Strasburg extends scoreless streak in victory over Phillies.
The Washington Nationals became the first team in the majors to clinch a playoff spot this season, winning the NL East on Sunday as Stephen Strasburg extended his scoreless streak to a franchise-record 34 innings in a 3-2 win over the visiting Philadelphia Phillies.
More than 90 minutes after Washington finished off the Phillies, Nationals Park erupted again when Lane Adams hit a two-run, 11th-inning homer to lead Atlanta over second-place Miami, sealing the division title for the fourth time in six years.
The Nationals also won the NL East in 2012, 2014 and last season but have not advanced past the divisional round of the postseason.
Trea Turner homered and tripled for the Nationals, and Victor Robles got his first major league hit and RBI as Washington rested nearly all its regular starters.
The Nationals also closed ground on the Dodgers for the majors’ best record.
Strasburg (13-4) threw two-hit ball for eight innings and struck out 10. He hasn’t allowed a run since Aug. 19 at San Diego, which was his first start since coming off the disabled list with an elbow nerve impingement.
Phillies: Outfielder Aaron Altherr made his first start since Aug. 4. Altherr (who has been out with a right hamstring strain) was activated from the 10-day disabled list Monday but did not appear in a game until Saturday, when he played the ninth inning in left field.
Mariners: Right-hander Hisashi Iwakuma, sidelined since early May with right shoulder inflammation, pitched a simulated game but is not ready to return. “He has worked his tail off even to get to the point to where he got today, but we’re kind of running up against it with three weeks left in the season,” manager Scott Servais said. “From where I saw him last time to where he was today, certainly a positive, but he’s still got a little work to do.”
Tigers: Outfielder Mikie Mahtook (sore left groin) was out of the lineup, one day after he was scratched.
Blue Jays: Third baseman Josh Donaldson (illness) missed his third straight game, and outfielder Steve Pearce (lower back) sat for the second straight day.
Rays: Outfielder Steven Souza Jr. missed his second straight game with a bruised left knee that forced him out Friday after he ran into a wall along the right-field line.
Red Sox: Infielder Eduardo Nunez was sidelined with a bruised right knee sustained on a headfirst slide Saturday. Manager John Farrell said Nunez was sore but expected back Tuesday.
Astros: Catcher Juan Centeno was examined for a concussion Saturday after being hit in the head by a bat on a follow-through.
Twins: Third baseman Miguel Sano (left shin stress) did some work on the field Saturday, and manager Paul Molitor said he “had a good day.” Sano’s return will be tricky because the minor league season is nearly over, meaning he won’t be able to go on a rehab assignment.
Royals: Left-hander Danny Duffy (left elbow impingement) will throw a simulated game Monday. If all goes well, Duffy could return to the rotation next weekend.