In a must-win game, Mets lose by 13

Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images With the Mets needing to win basically every game from here on out to stay in the race, the team started their final series of the year against the division-leading Braves by losing 15-2. For the third night in a row, their starter didn’t get out of the third inning. The offense only mustered five hits all night. They allowed six home runs. The most effective pitcher they sent to the mound was Todd Frazier. This is not how you stay in the race.

Steven Matz was set to make his first start since August 15 and his first appearance since August 29. Matz ran into trouble early, giving up four straight hits to start the game, though he was fortunate enough to get…