It didn’t take long for the 200 or so Royals fans at Liberty Hall to head for the exits Wednesday night, but before they did, they cheered one last time.

The Kansas City Royals fell to the San Francisco Giants, 3-2, in Game 7 of the World Series, nixing the Royals’ shot at the Commissioner’s Trophy.

As Salvador Perez’s pop foul hung in the air in the bottom of the ninth, there came cries of disbelief. As it landed in the mitt of San Francisco’s Pablo Sandoval, there was silence. But seconds later the Kansas City faithful mustered up applause and cheers to cap off a memorable season that inspired joy in so many.

“Best October surprise ever,” said Curtis McCoy, of Lawrence, referring to the postseason run. He watched from Liberty Hall dressed top-down in Royals colors. “I didn’t even think we were going to make the playoffs.”

Game 7 dominated the evenings of countless Lawrencians. Seats were hard to come by in Quinton’s Bar & Deli. Servers hustled through a maze of patrons at Dempsey’s Burger Pub. Massachusetts Street, the heart of Lawrence, was virtually empty as the game raged on.

“It was a great run,” said Jeremy Winfrey, of Lawrence. “Going to the playoffs, it was a success. Nothing to be ashamed of.”