Desmond takes Nationals to title

Shortstop Ian Desmond hit a long two-run homer and right-hander Tanner Roark pitched seven scoreless innings as the Washington Nationals clinched the National League East championship with a 3-0 win over the Atlanta Braves.

Desmond ripped his 23rd homer deep in the left-centre field stands at Turner Field against Atlanta right-hander Aaron Harang in the sixth innings to break up a scoreless game and give the Nationals the only runs they would need.

Roark (14-10) allowed five hits and struck out four as Washington won its second division championship in three years.

Elsewhere, Steve Pearce and Jimmy Paredes both homered early while Alejandro De Aza added a three-run triple as the Baltimore Orioles wrapped up their first American League East division title in 17 years with an 8-2 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays.

Other results:

Brewers 3, Cardinals 2 (12 innings)

Pirates 4, Red Sox 0

Twins 4, Tigers 3

Rockies 10, Dodgers 4

Giants 2, Diamondbacks 1

Rays 6, Yankees 1

Mets 9, Marlins 1

Cubs 7, Reds 0

Indians 4, Astros 2

White Sox 7, Royals 5

Rangers 6, As 3

Padres 5, Phillies 4

Mariners 13, Angels 2