In the eight shutout losses last season, there were 2 3-hitters, one 2-hitter and one 1-hitter, so technically a four-hit shutout isn't the worst in recent memory. However, the differential is the worst. Of those eight, the worst were two 6-0 losses. And, of course, this loss was to the rebuilding Orioles, which I suppose is an added offensive factor.
The Nats did lose, however, to the Orioles in another 4-hit shutout on August 27 of last year, but in that game the Os only got 2 runs on 5 hits.
So which is worse? Losing in a blowout early, or losing a game you could easily have won by stringing together 3 runs against a team which was at the time 43 games under .500?
