Mandatory Credit: Ed Zurga – Getty Images

After an opening day victory in classic Royals fashion, the Mets put Noah Syndergaard on the mound and he promptly pitched a 3-hit, 9-strikeout performance on a day the Royals were presented their World Series rings.

It was essentially a two-day celebration of Kansas City’s incredible run last season in which the Mets were forced to re-live their loss to KC last October through a variety of presentations and videos.

Syndergaard, who was the only Mets pitcher to record a win against Kansas City last season, was as dominant as the pundits predicted he would be this season.

Uncharacteristically, Kansas City struck out 12 times in the game. One of the better teams at avoiding strikeouts and putting the ball in play, it was just an off day at the plate for the world champs.

In the first meeting, Kansas City nickel and dime’d their way to a 4-3 win.

Without a single extra base hit, Eric Hosmer (3-for-4) led way for an opening day win. Starting pitcher Edinson Volquez was masterful in his pitching performance, leaving the game with a 4-0 lead. It was reliever and former Royal now returned, Joakim Soria, who allowed for the Mets to get themselves back in the game with a fairly wild pitching performance.

Luke Hochavar would come in to replace Soria and get the game back in control for Wade Davis to come on a seal the deal.

Tuesday, the Royals couldn’t find the bat and a 2-run homer from the Mets off starter Chris Young was all that was needed to secure the series-tying win.

After Syndergaard threw at Alcides Escobar’s head during the World Series, many wondered whether or not the Royals would retaliate.

Escobar took it upon himself by opening the game with a triple, but ‘Thor’ as Mets fans refer to him as, struck out the next three batters to kill any first-inning momentum.

The sixth inning was the big chance for Kansas City to get back into the game when they loaded the bases with two outs against Syndergaard, but the stoutly built righty would strikeout Kendrys Morales on three straight pitches to get out of the jam.

Next up for Kansas City is a home series with the Minnesota Twins beginning Thursday, April 8. Yordano Ventura is set to take the mound for the Royals who look to kick off division play on the winning side. Tickets For Less has seats available for purchase at incredible prices. Don’t miss your chance to see the Royals take the field at Kauffman Stadium to defend their world championship. With zero hidden service fees, what you see is what you get on all ticket sales. Get yours today!