Washington Nationals Bryce Harper, right, is high fived by teammates after scoring on a double from Ryan Zimmerman, against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the third inning of a baseball game at Nationals Park, in Washington, on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2012. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
September 20, 2012 - 10:22 PM
WASHINGTON - The Washington Nationals brought post-season baseball back to the nation's capital for the first time since 1933, clinching a playoff spot Thursday night with a 4-1 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Nationals ensured at least an NL wild-card spot behind Ross Detwiler's six strong innings and Ryan Zimmerman's RBI double.
Washington's magic number to win the NL East was reduced to eight. The Nationals lead idle Atlanta by 5 1/2 games.
The Nationals became the second team in the majors to clinch a playoff spot this year. Cincinnati earned a slot earlier in the day.
News from © The Associated Press, 2012