The Mets essentially had as many chances to realistically get back in the game against the Nationals Wednesday night as they had pitchers who did not walk a batter.
And that would be one.
So while Hansel Robles did what Bartolo Colon, Antonio Bastardo, Logan Verrett, Jerry Blevins and Jim Henderson could not do — namely get on the mound and not issue a base on balls — the offense was just about as effective in the 7-1 defeat at Citi Field.
The Mets did their customary home-run damage when Yoenis Cespedes cracked his 13th homer, a solo blast against Washington starter and winner Gio Gonzalez (3-1) in the fourth inning to make it 1-1.