"Derek Lowe has given up only three runs in his past two starts and lost both of them. That's because the Braves have been shut out in each of his past two starts - by Yovani Gallardo Tuesday in Milwaukee and Cole Hamels and two Phillies relievers on Sunday.

Just when Lowe's doing some of his best work as a Brave, that old run support he got early in his tenure here seems to have vanished. Sunday's loss dropped him to 1-2 despite a 1.45 ERA. He has quality starts in each of his last two outings but he's not using that as consolation.

"I don't believe in quality-start stats," Lowe said. "You either win or you lose and that's it. I don't take small victories out of this game. Back-to-back games where I got outpitched - you just try to go out there Friday night and do better.""