For the first time in franchise history, the Washington Nationals will have a chance to clinch a National League East Division title on Sunday. The Nationals (96-62) earned an extra-inning victory, 6-4, on Saturday night over their hosts the St. Louis Cardinals (85-73), shrinking their magic number to cement a NL East crown to just one game. Washington's playoff destiny is in their own hands in the series finale at Busch Stadium.
However, the Nats, who have already clinched at least a NL Wild Card berth, are not the only team trying to help their postseason chances. The Cards hold just a two-game lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL Wild Card race, and a victory would help St. Louis shrink its magic number to clinch to one with three games to play.
Ross Detwiler (10-7) will take the mound for Washington as he opposes St. Louis' Lance Lynn (17-7). Detwiler has earned just one win in his last four starts, his last featuring five runs on five hits in five innings of work. Meanwhile, Lynn has won his last three starts, limiting opponents to 13 hits and two earned runs in 19⅓ innings.
First pitch is scheduled for 2:15 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on MASN.