ATLANTA --- Ricky Nolasco struck out nine Atlanta Braves in a row 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 NL 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 following a pitch in the dirt.

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, according to STATS LLC.

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.

The play gave Brendan Donnelly his second save, though he did not retire a batter. Donnelly had been brought in to replace Leo Nunez.

Atlanta, which began the night three games behind Colorado for the wild card, has lost two in a row with four games remaining. The Rockies played late Wednesday against Milwaukee.

Nolasco (13-9), who struck out 14 of his first 19 batters, set a Marlins record 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 with two outs in the eighth and a runner on first. Meyer retired Chipper Jones on a liner to end the inning.

Atlanta scored twice in the ninth on Yunel Escobar's RBI single and pinch-hitter Omar Infante's RBI single.