Harvey falters again in World Series rematch with Royals

Matt Harvey didn't get the redemption he was seeking in Sunday's season opener against the Kansas City Royals.

After imploding in the ninth inning of Game 5 of the World Series last year, the New York Mets ace was tagged for four runs - three earned - while scattering eight hits over 5 2/3 innings. He struck out only two batters on 83 pitches to take the loss in a 4-3 defeat.

"Probably ran out of gas in the sixth," Mets manager Terry Collins said postgame. "His velocity started to drop. But all in all, I thought he threw the ball fine."

Harvey, who was making his first Opening Day start, had a blood-clot scare leading up to the highly anticipated rematch with the defending champs, but he decided to still take the ball for the opener despite missing his final spring start due to the health issue.

"I made some pitches when I had to, and wasn't able to when I really needed to," Harvey said after the lackluster start. "That's disappointing and pretty frustrating. You know, overall, my body feels fine. It's not the way I wanted to start the season, but we have to pick up from it and get ready for Tuesday."

Harvey's final three spring starts were disastrous. He had given up 15 runs in 8 1/3 innings, but was also taking medication for his bladder problem during that time.

The two teams reconvene Tuesday at Kauffman Stadium for the finale of the two-game mini set.