ATLANTA — Ricky Nolasco struck out nine straight Atlanta Braves and set a Marlins record with 16 strikeouts — the most by a major-league pitcher in more than two years — in Florida’s 5-4 victory Wednesday night.
Trying to make a late push for the National League wild card, the Braves rallied for two runs in the ninth inning and had a chance to win after loading the bases with two outs. But the game ended when Matt Diaz was thrown out trying to scamper back to third after a pitch in the dirt.
Atlanta fell four games behind Colorado for the NL wild card.
Nolasco’s nine consecutive strikeouts in one game were one short of the big-league record set by Hall of Famer Tom Seaver for the New York Mets on April 22, 1970, against San Diego. Seaver struck out 19 in that game at Shea Stadium, including his final 10 batters in a 2-1 victory.
Nolasco’s 16 strikeouts were the most in the majors since Johan Santana fanned 17 for Minnesota against Texas on Aug. 19, 2007.
With Martin Prado at the plate in the ninth, Diaz initially broke for home on a ball that bounced away from catcher Ronny Paulino. Diaz hesitated, however, and Paulino retrieved the ball quickly before making a strong throw to third. After he was called out, Diaz slammed his hand on the bag in frustration. The play gave Brendan Donnelly his second save, though he did not retire a batter. Donnelly had just been brought in to replace closer Leo Nuñez.
The Braves also were eliminated from the NL East race. Philadelphia beat Houston 10-3 and clinched its third straight division title.
Nolasco (13-9), who struck out 14 of his first 19 batters, set a Marlins mark with his 15th strikeout when Diaz fanned for the final out of the seventh.
Nolasco’s final strikeout victim was rookie Brooks Conrad for the first out of the eighth. Nolasco’s night ended after 123 pitches when manager Fredi Gonzalez brought in Dan Meyer.
