EARLY NATIONAL LEAGUE FINALS

Final Score: Washington 2, Chicago 1

Washington, DC (Sports Network) - Washington left-hander Ross Detwiler outdueled Chicago's Jeff Samardzija, and the NL East-leading Nationals clinched the franchise's first winning season since 2003 by edging the Chicago Cubs, 2-1, in the opener of a four-game set.

Final Score: Atlanta 6, Colorado 1

Atlanta, GA (Sports Network) - The National League East standings may be different had Kris Medlen been a member of the Atlanta Braves' rotation all season. Medlen had his scoreless-innings streak snapped but still tossed his second career complete game as the wild card-leading Braves posted a 6-1 win over the Colorado Rockies in the opener of a four-game series at Turner Field.

Final Score: Miami 7, Milwaukee 3

Miami, FL (Sports Network) - Jose Reyes helped end the Miami Marlins' four- game losing streak by knocking in three runs in Miami's 7-3 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers. Ricky Nolasco (11-12) went seven innings for Miami, allowing three runs -- one earned -- on nine hits. He struck out four and did not walk a batter.

Final Score: Philadelphia 4, Cincinnati 2

Cincinnati, OH (Sports Network) - Tyler Cloyd allowed just one run over seven strong innings to guide the Philadelphia Phillies past the Cincinnati Reds, 4-2, in the opener of a three-game set at Great American Ball Park. Cloyd (1-1), who lost his MLB debut Aug. 29, scattered four hits and struck out nine without issuing a walk to pick up his career win.

Final Score: Houston 5, Pittsburgh 1

Pittsburgh, PA (Sports Network) - Edgar Gonzalez had to wait until September, but he made his 2012 major league debut count. Gonzalez held the Pittsburgh Pirates at bay and led the Houston Astros to a 5-1 win in the opener of a three-game set.

Final Score: St. Louis 5, New York 4

St. Louis, MO (Sports Network) - Skip Schumaker went 2-for-3 with a solo homer and Allen Craig collected two hits and knocked in a run as the St. Louis Cardinals edged the New York Mets, 5-4, in the opener of a three-game set at Busch Stadium.

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