Postgame analysis of the Nats' 6-1 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday night at PNC Park.
How it happened: No more magic numbers. No more scoreboard watching. The Nationals can finally pop champagne.
With a win over the Pirates and a New York Mets’ loss to the Phillies, Washington claimed its third National League East championship in the last five seasons. Though the accomplishment seemed inevitable over the last few weeks, Dusty Baker and company will undoubtedly savor the moment before they rev up for October.
As for the game itself, the Nats didn’t waste much time jumping out in front.