BEAST OF THE EAST: Clinched!

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INQUIRER: The shutout win not only guaranteed Philadelphia another division title, but also the best record in the NL, meaning they will have home-field advantage in next week’s NL division series – and beyond, should they advance. “It’s just amazing what this bunch has accomplished,” said Jayson Werth, who homered, doubled and had four RBIs, but may not be back if there’s a fifth straight next season. “And we’re not satisfied yet. Not done yet.” This fourth division crown marked the most this franchise has won in succession. The Mike Schmidt-Steve Carlton Phils had won three straight from 1976 through 1978. “It’s been a long year,” said Manuel, who stayed out of spray’s way in his office. “And this is just the first step.” Halladay, who fulfilled his dream in his first season as a Phillie, seemed unconcerned about the threatening weather and not troubled much by a Washington lineup that was without Ryan Zimmerman. He sped through the Nats’ lineup as if he were tossing batting practice, yielding singles to Wilson Ramos in the third and Adam Dunn in the eighth. It was just the latest chapter in the 21st-century transformation of what once was baseball’s sorriest franchise. After sporadic postseason appearances in their first 110 years of existence, the Phillies now will be there for an unprecedented fourth straight October. MORE

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