The Nationals just pinch hit for Stephen Strasburg in the bottom of the eighth inning, the Nationals leading the Phillies 2-0. It is Strasburg’s fourth straight start in which he did not allow a run. He has not allowed a run since the first inning on Aug. 18, the day he returned from the disabled list. That’s 34 consecutive scoreless innings. It makes me wonder how long that nerve issue bothered him.

Strasburg’s ERA is down to 2.64. He allowed two hits and a walk, and erased two of those runners with double plays while striking out 10.

Trea Turner homered in the eighth to extend the lead to 3-0.

Update: The Phillies score twice in the top of the ninth, but the Nationals clinch a tie for the NL East title. The Marlins and Braves are tied at five in the seventh. If the Marlins lose, the Nationals win the NL East.

Update: The Marlins blow a three-run lead in the bottom of the ninth, and the Braves win on a two-run homer by Lane Adams in the bottom of the 11th. The Nationals clinch the NL East title with three weeks left in the season.