The Braves appeared headed for their third straight win, one that would have moved them within three games of San Francisco for the lead in the National League wild-card chase.
Soriano, however, was unable to retire a batter in the ninth.
Juan Pierre reached on an infield single to open the inning and Rafael Furcal singled to right, sending Pierre to third.
Soriano (1-3) missed the strike zone with his first two pitches to Ethier, who then hit his 23rd homer of the year.
The blast by Ethier made a winner out of Scott Elbert (2-0), who recorded the final out in the top of the ninth.
Former Dodger Derek Lowe was in position to get the win before the Los Angeles comeback. Lowe, who spent four years with the Dodgers before signing with Atlanta prior to the start of the current season, allowed two runs over 6 1/3 innings.
Chipper Jones had three hits, including a solo homer, and Nate McLouth, Matt Diaz and Adam LaRoche each drove in a run for Atlanta.
Copyright 2009 by United Press International.
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