Mets’ Syndergaard on alert for Royals series

? New York Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard expects a hostile reception when he takes the mound Tuesday in Kansas City.

Syndergaard’s first pitch in Game 3 of the World Series last fall was a 98 mph fastball that went over the head of Alcides Escobar. The Mets went on to a 9-3 win, their lone victory against the Royals,

Newsday, citing unidentified sources, reported Tuesday the Royals intend to get retribution during the opening two game-series, which starts Sunday.

“I don’t think they’re too fond of me,” Syndergaard said Wednesday. “But as far as retaliation goes, I don’t know what they’re going to retaliate against. All I did was establish the inner-side part of the plate. So I don’t know what this whole retaliation talk is all about. But it’s going to be an interesting time.”

“I just simply threw a pitch on the inside corner — elevated. Purpose pitch. I don’t really see how any retaliation can be made.”

Syndergaard said many Mets fans approached him on the streets of New York during the offseason and “applauded that pitch.”

He anticipates a rowdy Royals crowd, but said he’s not concerned.

“I do a pretty good job of canceling excess noises out and just focusing on me and the catcher,” he said.