Nationals clinch NL East for 3rd time in 4 years

The Washington Nationals became the first team in 2017 to clinch a division title Sunday, securing the National League East for the third time in four years thanks to some help from one of their rivals.

After winning 3-2 against the Philadelphia Phillies, the Nationals needed the Atlanta Braves to beat the Miami Marlins in order to clinch. The Braves rallied from two down to tie the game 8-8 in the bottom of the ninth, and later won thanks to a two-run, walk-off homer from Lane Adams.

It's the Nats' fourth division title since relocating to Washington from Montreal in 2005. The club hasn't finished lower than second since 2011.

For manager Dusty Baker, it's his seventh career division title with his fourth organization (two each with Washington, the Cincinnati Reds, and the San Francisco Giants; one with the Chicago Cubs).

The Nationals got a terrific performance from right-hander Stephen Strasburg on Sunday. He broke a franchise record by extending his scoreless streak to 34 innings.