ATLANTA — Ricky Nolasco knew he was stacking up strikeouts.
He didn’t realize he was closing in on a major-league record.
Nolasco struck out nine straight Braves and set a Marlins record with 16 K’s — the most by a major-leaguer in more than two years — during Florida’s 5-4 victory Wednesday night.
“Something kind of weird about me is that, ever since high school, I keep a mental tally in my head of how many I have every single game,” he said. “I knew how many I had and what was going on, but I wasn’t aware of any record.”
Nolasco’s nine consecutive strikeouts were one short of the big-league mark set by Hall of Famer Tom Seaver for the Mets on April 22, 1970, against San Diego. Seaver struck out 19 in that game, 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, according to Stats LLC.
“I’m not much of a history person,” Nolasco said, “but if my kids come across it some day, that would make me proud.”
Trying to make a late push for the playoffs, the Braves rallied for two runs in the ninth inning and had a chance to win after loading the bases with two outs. But Atlanta lost its second straight when Matt Diaz got hung up between third and home following a low pitch that squirted away from catcher Ronny Paulino.
With Martin Prado batting, Diaz initially broke for the plate, hesitated twice, then tried to scamper back to third. Paulino retrieved the ball and made a strong throw to nail Diaz, who slammed his hand on the bag in frustration.
“I pride myself on making decisions, not always the right ones, but I’m decisive,” Diaz said. “Right there, I hesitated and it cost us big. I’ve never felt this bad about a play. It’s a sinking feeling knowing you cost these guys.”
