Nationals clinch NL East for 2nd time in 3 years

The Washington Nationals are starting to get accustomed to life at the top of the National League East.

For the second time in three years, the Nationals have claimed the NL East division title. 

[Courtesy: MLB.com]

Tanner Roark tossed seven shutout innings and shortstop Ian Desmond launched a two-run home run in the sixth inning as Washington knocked off the Atlanta Braves 3-0 on Tuesday at Turner Field. 

Winners of eight of their last 10 games, the Nationals entered Tuesday's game with a 11.5-game lead over the Braves - a gap created in part by Atlanta losing seven of its last eight.  

It's just the second time in the last 33 years that the Nationals (formerly Montreal Expos) have reached the postseason, and the third time in the franchise's 46-year history.