ATLANTA --- The only champagne in Atlanta's clubhouse was intended for an individual milestone.

The Braves' hopes of a playoff celebration were dashed for the fourth year in a row.

Pete Orr hit a tiebreaking single in the ninth inning and the Washington Nationals beat Atlanta 2-1 on Thursday night, hours after Colorado clinched at least the NL wild card with a 9-2 win over Milwaukee.

"I was watching the game," said Atlanta right-hander Tommy Hanson, who gave up one run in seven innings. "It wasn't going to change how I went out and pitched today. I still wanted to go out on a good note."

Orr's one-out single to left field drove in Ryan Zimmerman, who opened the ninth with a double off Rafael Soriano (1-6).

"We're playing the game the right way," Orr said of the Nationals, who lead the majors with 103 losses but have won four in a row. "Hopefully, we're going in the right direction."

After the game, two bottles of champagne sat in a small cooler beside Garret Anderson's locker in the Atlanta clubhouse to commemorate his 2,500th hit.

Hanson, who made 21 starts, is the first Atlanta rookie to make at least 20 starts and finish a season with an ERA under 3.00. The Braves moved to Atlanta in 1966.

"It's going to be a pleasure to watch him get better," catcher Brian McCann said.

Tyler Clippard (4-2) pitched 2Q scoreless innings for Washington but was lifted with two outs in the ninth. Clippard walked Yunel Escobar, who advanced to third on Ryan Church's single.

Mike MacDougal earned his 19th save when pinch hitter Omar Infante grounded out.

Nate McLouth gave Atlanta a 1-0 lead with his 19th homer to lead off the third inning. The Nationals tied it in the fourth when Willie Harris singled and scored on Zimmerman's double off the right-field wall.

Washington's Garrett Mock, who has lost six consecutive decisions since his last win on Aug. 25, gave up one run on five hits and four walks in six innings.