Cubs nip Braves, 3-2

CHICAGO — Even in defeat, the Atlanta Braves’ clubhouse reverberates with confidence, as if there are greater things to focus on than one loss.

A deep run into October, for example.

Derek Lowe pitched seven strong innings, and Chipper Jones and Alex Gonzalez homered, but it wasn’t enough as the Braves fell to the Chicago Cubs 3-2 on Wednesday night.

All the damage done to Lowe (8-12) came in the second, when the Cubs batted around and scored three runs.

Alfonso Soriano followed a leadoff walk with a two-run homer, and speedster Tony Campana reached on Dan Uggla’s fielding error and came around to score on a groundout.

The Cubs went on to load the bases, but Lowe induced an inning-ending groundout.

“I don’t consider that a rough inning for me,” Lowe said with a grin. “That’s damage control.”

Other than that, Lowe was as dominant as he’s been all season. He gave up four hits and four walks. Lowe struck out six and threw a season-high 119 pitches.

“He’s gonna get the loss, but I think he deserves better,” said Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez. “You look at his linescore, and it might be one of his best starts. He was really, really good.”

Lowe tossed seven full innings for the first time since May 17.

“As embarrassing a stat as that may be, I’d rather be doing that now than back then,” Lowe said. “We’re winding down and you’ve got six or seven starts left, you want to finish up strong to put ourselves in a good spot. We’re still trying to catch Philly.

“I don’t think this loss is going to stay with us very long, especially the way we’ve been playing.”

The Braves have won 15 of 20 and remain 6