Steven Matz Has Strong Start, but Mets Fall to Marlins

Photo After a tough loss, the Mets could at least find promising signs in Steven Matz's performance in the shadow of questions about Matt Harvey's availability. Credit Steve Mitchell/USA Today Sports, via Reuters MIAMI — Steven Matz, sweat dotting his forehead, marched off the mound and paced the infield grass. With a stern expression, he watched the ball clear the wall in left-center field, then returned to the mound.

Matz, a promising rookie left-hander who was making his first major league start since July 5, had just given up a solo home run to Miami catcher Jeff Mathis. He seemed frustrated. Mathis had entered the game with a .123 batting average, and the home run gave the Marlins a 2-1…