Royals rally late, drop series finale to Mets

QUEENS, N.Y. (KMIZ)

The Royals were unable to complete a late comeback at Citi Field on Sunday afternoon, losing a 2-1 pitchers' duel to the Mets. Kansas City snapped its streak of back-to-back series wins after falling in two of its three games against New York.

Both teams were held scoreless through the first seven innings of action. Cole Ragans tossed six shutout innings for the Royals, giving up just five hits and striking out eight batters. On the opposite side, Jose Butto also did not allow a run over his six innings of work, holding Kansas City to just two hits and recording a game-high nine strikeouts.

The Mets put the game's first runs on the scoreboard in the eighth inning, taking a 2-0 lead on an infield single from Harrison Bader and a bases loaded walk issued to Brandon Nimmo. Vinnie Pasquantino belted his second home run of the season in the final frame to cut that deficit in half and try to spark a late two-out rally for the Royals. However, Edwin Diaz forced a pop fly from Freddy Fermin to end the game.

As a team, Kansas City only recorded three hits and ended the game with 14 strikeouts. Pasquantino, Bobby Witt Jr. and Salvador Perez were the only three players who reached base safely for the Royals.

Up next - Kansas City is kicking off another series with the White Sox but will face Chicago on the road for this three-game set. The series opener between the Royals and White Sox is scheduled for Monday, April 15 at 6:40 p.m.