Nicolino (3-2) shut down the Braves with help from a pair of double plays. Atlanta lost for the 14th time in 15 games, including the last seven in a row, but at least avoided its second straight shutout when A.J. Pierzynski drove in a run with a two-out single in the eighth off Erik Cordier.
The Braves have been outscored 110-40 during their most recent skid. Manny Banuelos (1-3) made his first start in more than a month coming off the disabled list. He lasted 2 2/3 innings, giving up six hits and three runs.
Hector Olivera made his major league debut for the Braves. The touted Cuban defector went 0-for-4 with a strikeout.
