NATIONALS CLINCH NL EAST

For the first time in their franchise history, the Washington Nationals have won back-to-back division championships. And the manner in which they did so suggests they just might be ready to last beyond the first round when the playoffs commence next month. The Nationals defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 3-2 at Nationals Park; nearly two hours later, the Atlanta Braves got an 11th-inning, walk-off two-run homer from Lane Adams to defeat the Miami Marlins 10-8 and ensure Washington its fourth division title in six seasons. As Adams’ home run cleared the fence at SunTrust Park, Nationals players began a celebration in their home clubhouse, as did fans at Nationals Park. The celebration was on thanks to eight scoreless innings from Stephen Stras

burg, who now owns the longest scoreless streak in the major leagues this season — 34 innings.