WASHINGTON -- The schedule is poised to test the Nationals this September. On Monday, they began a stretch of 16 consecutive games against teams in the playoff hunt, and 24 of their remaining 27 games are against teams over .500.

It could provide for a different atmosphere around D.C. compared with their previous playoff runs, when the division was wrapped up so early that the team coasted to the title. This year, Washington is primed for meaningful games down the stretch.

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The playoff push began on a sour note on Monday afternoon, however, as the Nats were handed a 7-3 loss by the Mets at Nationals Park, with a large and vocal chunk of New York fans among the 25,329 in attendance. The rare dud proved costly for Washington, which could not keep pace in the National League East and now trails Atlanta by 6 1/2 games in the division.

Despite the loss, manager Dave Martinez believes there could be a potential benefit for his team competing in a pennant race against tough competition this month.

“They’re getting an understanding that every game matters, and we’re playing to win every game,” Martinez said prior to the game. “So, getting into the playoffs, there’s no let-ups. ...That does help, because there’s no lull. Even though for me, I’d like for there to be a lull toward the end there to get some guys some days off, but they know what they’re playing for. And they’re excited about getting to where we want to get to.”

There are still a few key issues the Nationals have to iron out, including the role of Joe Ross, who was knocked out of the game in the fourth inning after allowing seven runs on eight hits and three walks. It’s a testament to how good and consistent the Nats' rotation has been all season that contests such as Monday's, in which Martinez was left piecing together the majority of the game after a short start, have been rare.

Although Ross emerged as a solid No. 5 starter with his performances in August and each start this month could serve as an audition for a spot on a potential postseason roster, the Nationals have other options (Austin Voth, Erick Fedde, Jeremy Hellickson) after rosters expanded.

“Joe’s been throwing the ball really well,” Martinez said. “He’s had one bad outing here. He pitched in Chicago, [when] I know his shin was bothering him a little bit, but he kept us in the ballgame. He’s throwing the ball well, he really is.”

Washington begins the push to October with a comfortable cushion for its own playoff spot. It holds the top berth for the NL Wild Card Game and has a 3 1/2-game lead over the Cubs, with a good chance to host.

But first the Nats must survive the next few weeks. They have a chance to dash the Mets’ postseason hopes with this three-game set before they head to Atlanta. They'll face the Braves seven times during this 16-game stretch, which could determine the division. Washington's two series outside the NL East are against the leaders in the Central divisions -- a three-game set in Minnesota from Sept. 10-12 and three games in St. Louis from Sept. 16-18.

“We're going to have to compete,” shortstop Trea Turner said. “And it's going to be hard, but I think that's what you want going into the postseason. People don't luck their way into the postseason. If we want to be there at the end of the day, we're going to have to play these teams and get some wins.”