The Washington Nationals and the Cincinnati Reds Thursday became the first Major League Baseball teams to clinch playoff spots. The Nationals assured themselves of at least a wild card berth with a 4-1 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers Thursday night, while the Reds assured theirs by beating the Chicago Cubs 5-3 earlier in the day. Friday night in Philadelphia, the Atlanta Braves begin a three-game series with the Phillies. First pitch is set for 7:00 PM.