KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) Noah Syndergaard threw six dominant innings, Neil Walker hit his first homer with the Mets and New York beat Kansas City 2-0 Tuesday after the Royals were given their 2015 World Series rings.
Syndergaard (1-0) was the only pitcher to beat the Royals in the World Series last year, winning Game 3 after intentionally throwing his first pitch above Alcides Escobar‘s head. Escobar started this one with a triple, but then Syndergaard struck out the next three batters and retired 12 straight before Kendrys Morales‘ double opened the fifth.
In a game heard locally on KTTN AM 1600, Syndergaard allowed three hits, walked one and struck out nine.
Syndergaard pitched out of a bases-loaded jam in the sixth, striking out Morales on three swings. The Royals went 0 for 7 with runners in scoring position.
The Mets acquired Walker in a December trade with Pittsburgh. He homered on a 1-0 fastball from Chris Young (0-1) in the fourth afterYoenis Cespedes walked. That was the first hit Young allowed.
Young was pulled after five innings and 93 pitches, allowing three hits and three walks while striking out four.
The Mets loaded the bases in the seventh on two walks and a single, but Luke Hochevar retired Cespedes on a fly ball to Escobar to end the threat.
Jeurys Familia, who blew all three save opportunities he had in the 2015 World Series, pitched a spotless ninth for his first save this season.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Royals: RHP Greg Holland had Tommy John surgery last September and remains unsigned as a free agent, but he was back for the pregame World Series ring ceremony. He said he is throwing 60 feet in Arizona and hopes to sign with some club soon, although it is unlikely he will pitch this season. RHP Jason Frasor and OF Alex Rios, former Royals who were members of the 2015 team, were invited to the ring ceremony and both attended.
CONTIGENCY PLANS
With Mets RHP Jacob deGrom‘s wife expecting a baby this week, he might be summoned to Florida for the birth and be unavailable to start the home opener Friday against the Phillies. Manager Terry Collins said they could start LHP Steven Matz or RHPs Matt Harvey or Bartolo Colon Friday. Colon is penciled in for the Saturday start, while Harvey started the season opener Sunday at Kansas City and would have his normal four days of rest.
UP NEXT
Mets: As of now, deGrom is the probable starter for Friday after the club has two days off.
Royals: RHP Yordano Ventura draws an assignment Friday against the Twins.
