ATLANTA, Sept. 29 (UPI) -- Derek Lowe struck out nine over 5 2/3 innings Wednesday and the Atlanta Braves strengthened their hold on the NL wild card with a 5-1 victory over Florida.
Lowe (16-12) limited the Marlins to one run and one walk and scattered seven hits, allowing the Braves to maintain their lead in the National League wild-card chase.
They entered the contest with a 1 1/2-game advantage over San Diego for the fourth and final NL post-season spot and reduced their magic for clinching it to three with three games remaining.
Four Atlanta relievers combined to toss 3 1/3 scoreless frames and Brooks Conrad socked a three-run homer in the victory.
Marlins starter Andrew Miller (1-5) was touched for four runs on four hits and four walks in three innings of work.
Chad Tracy went 3-for-4 and Mike Stanton delivered an RBI single for Florida.
