NEW YORK _ The broadcast cameras caught a zoned-out Steven Matz, in his own world, staring straight ahead as he sat in the dugout.
The depressing image perfectly captured the night.
This was one of those nightmare games, the type that makes it seem like all progress is lost. In this sport, with no clock, blowouts last forever and sometimes leave it difficult for fans to hold the usual "it's only one game" perspective preached by players and coaches on the losing end.
The Nationals drilled the Mets, 16-4, at Citi Field on Monday. The margin almost matched the 14-1 drubbing the Mets took against Atlanta on July 26.
Through the season's first 17 games, the Mets have had many close losses. Then they've had those two, which quickly got out of hand.
In this one, the Mets removed starters to begin the seventh inning. Infielder Luis Guillorme pitched the top of the ninth. Multiple Nationals padded their stats.
The best news for these Mets: They play again Tuesday.
