Nationals nail down berth in postseason
WASHINGTON - As Davey Johnson walked into the interview room to talk about Washington's return to postseason baseball for the first time since 1933, fans in an adjoining restaurant began to applaud.
"What's the big deal?" Johnson asked jokingly.
The Nationals used Ross Detwiler's six strong innings and Ryan Zimmerman's RBI double to lock up a playoff spot Thursday with a 4-1 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
"Nats Clinch" flashed on the scoreboard as Washington ensured at least a National League wild-card spot.
Rookie center fielder Bryce Harper claimed ignorance of the team's situation.
"Everyone's going crazy. I looked at the fireworks and I go: 'I guess we just did something.' Then somebody handed me the playoff shirt and playoff hat and I said, 'Well, I guess we're going to the playoffs,' " the Las Vegas native said.
Until this year, the Nationals never had a winning season since moving from Montreal for the 2005 season. The Nationals lost more than 100 games in both 2008 and 2009.
The loss dropped the Dodgers three games behind St. Louis for the NL's second wild card. Milwaukee moved ahead of Los Angeles with its win over Pittsburgh.
Manager Don Mattingly agreed the team's playoff chances dimmed after the Dodgers' 10th loss in 14 games.
"I mean, it's, yeah, we're going the wrong direction," Mattingly said. "For us at this point, we're going to have to put a run together that's going to be more than just win a series."
