NL ROUNDUP

REDS 5, CUBS 3: In Chicago, the Cincinnati Reds became the first team in the majors to clinch a playoff spot this season, beating Chicago on Thursday afternoon.

Ace Johnny Cueto (18-9) and the Reds ensured themselves of at least a wildcard spot. Cincinnati also cut its magic number to two over St. Louis to win the Central division.

CARDINALS 5, ASTROS 4: In St. Louis, pinch-hitter Carlos Beltran snapped a sixth-inning tie with a two-run double and Allen Craig hit a three-run home run to power St. Louis past Houston.

St. Louis, which has 12 games remaining,

holds a 2 ½-game lead over Milwaukee for the second wild card, with Los Angeles three games back.

NATIONALS 4, DODGERS 1: In Washington, the Nationals brought postseason baseball back to the nation’s capital for the first time since 1933, clinching a playoff spot with a win over Los Angeles.

“Nats Clinch” flashed on the scoreboard as Washington ensured at least a wild-card spot thanks to Ross Detwiler’s six strong innings and Ryan Zimmerman’s RBI double.

BREWERS 9, PIRATES 7: In Pittsburgh, Rickie Weeks hit a tying two-run triple and scored the go-ahead run on Aramis Ramirez’s single, helping Milwaukee rally past Pittsburgh.

GIANTS 9, ROCKIES 2: In San Francisco, Pablo Sandoval hit a three-run homer and a solo shot as San Francisco reduced its magic number to clinch the West division to four with a victory over Colorado.

PADRES 6, DIAMONDBACKS 5: In Phoenix, Jesus Guzman homered and Clayton Richard (14-12) was effective enough as San Diego beat Arizona.

PHILLIES 16, METS 1: In New York, Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley sparked an eight-run first inning as Philadelphia routed New York.