The scene in the Mets clubhouse after another brutal loss in Game 3 of the NLCS was a somber one. When reporters were allowed into the clubhouse, no players were at their lockers. A crowd gathered around Steve Trachsel’s locker, waiting for the pitcher to emerge.

As we waited, the Mets’ Game 4 starter Oliver Perez sat down a table in the middle of the room with a big bowl of vanilla ice cream with chocalate syrup and strawberries. He seemed to be enjoying surveying the room. It’s either a sign that he’s feeling no pressure about tonight’s start, or he doesn’t get how big a situation this is.

The Mets season rides on his shaky left arm. With his talent, he could throw seven shutout innings. But with his history, he could be chased in the second.

Trachsel eventually emerged and answered questions. He answered questions succinctly, saying he felt fine but never found his groove. His right thigh has a nasty bruise just above the knee. There’s no telling if he would be able to go in a possible Game 7.

Darren Oliver was the hero of the game for the Mets. The bullpen is now rested in case Perez struggles.

Stupid question of the night was directed at Carlos Delgado. Someone compared the Mets’ game with the Yankees’ Game 3 against Detroit and asked if the Mets were pressing.

Delgado said, “There are Mets in front of you, not Yankees.”