MLB: Florida 5, Atlanta 4

Atlanta's hopes of capturing the National League East ended and the Braves also suffered a costly setback in their bid to overtake Colorado in the NL wild-card chase. Colorado began the night with a three-game lead over the Braves.

Nolasco's 16 strikeouts came in just 7 2/3 shutout innings. He allowed two unearned runs on four hits while improving to 13-9.

Atlanta trailed by three runs going into the ninth, but RBI singles by Yunel Escobar and Nate McLouth brought the Braves within one.

Brendan Donnelly came on with two out and the bases loaded to face Martin Prado and the game ended when catcher Ronny Paulino picked Matt Diaz off third base. Donnelly threw only one pitch in earning his second save.

Javier Vazquez (15-10) suffered the loss, surrendering three runs on eight hits in six innings.

Copyright 2009 by United Press International.