The Washington Nationals have officially overcome their 19-31 start to clinch a National League wild-card berth thanks to Tuesday's doubleheader sweep over the Philadelphia Phillies and the Chicago Cubs' loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The Nats' season looked lost in May after a four-game sweep by the New York Mets dropped them 12 games below .500.
Washington NationalsFor the 5th time in 8 years, your Washington Nationals are headed to the @MLB Postseason! #CLINCHED // #STAYINTHEFIGHT https://t.co/3T89Y8zZ4L
However, a 9-2 stretch sparked a torrid summer pace in which the Nats jumped over .