Braves clinch postseason berth with rout of Nats

For the second year running, the Atlanta Braves will compete in the postseason after clinching a berth with their 10-1 victory over the Washington Nationals on Saturday.

At 93-57 and 10 1/2 games up on the second-place Nats following Saturday's victory, the Braves are at least guaranteed a National League wild-card spot. However, the team's focus will turn to clinching the division for the second straight year - something it hasn't pulled off since the 2004-05 seasons.

Any combination of four Braves victories or Nationals losses will guarantee the club its 14th NL East title since moving to the division in 1994.

The Braves became the second Senior Circuit team to guarantee its season continues into October, joining the Los Angeles Dodgers, who clinched their seventh consecutive NL West title last week.

After trailing 1-0 for the majority of Saturday's contest, the Braves tied things up with a Nick Markakis RBI single in the sixth inning. The bats broke out in the following frame, which included a go-ahead double from reigning NL Rookie of the Year, Ronald Acuna Jr.

During a somewhat rocky season, right-hander Mike Foltynewicz has recently settled into a groove. He delivered six strong innings in the victory, allowing one run on four hits and one walk while striking out five.

Utility man Charlie Culberson was hit in the face by a pitch during a bunt attempt and was taken to hospital after being carted off the field.