Miami, FL (Sports Network) - Javier Vazquez continued his surge and sent the Braves further into their funk, as the Marlins earned a 4-0 victory by two- hitting the playoff contenders in the rubber match of a three-game series.
Atlanta's eighth loss in 12 games cut a once healthy NL wild card lead to a game and a half over the hard-charging Cardinals with six to play. The Braves play a three- game series in Washington before finishing the regular season at home against the NL East-champion Phillies.
The Braves' bats had no chance against Vazquez (12-11), who extended his scoreless steak to 25 innings with seven terrific frames. He allowed just two hits and one walk while fanning six in Florida's fourth win in six games.
Derek Lowe (9-16) fell to 0-4 in September after surrendering three runs on six hits and two walks over 6 1/3 innings.
The Sports Network