Mike Montgomery and four relievers limited the Mets to just one run as the Royals defeated the Mets, 4-1, on Friday night in Kansas City, Mo. Ian Kennedy loaded the bases in the ninth inning but escaped with his 21st save in 24 chances.

Montgomery (3-5) had his second straight solid outing. After seven scoreless innings in Detroit in his last game, Montgomery allowed one run on five hits in six innings, with two walks and three strikeouts.

Noah Syndergaard (8-6) took the loss for the Mets. Syndergaard, who had pitched at least seven innings in five straight starts, saw that streak end. He allowed two runs on five hits through six innings. He walked two and struck out six.

The Royals, who averaged 5.4 runs per game on their most recent trip, struggled early. After being shut out in consecutive games by the St. Louis Cardinals, they did not score in the first four innings against Syndergaard, stretching the streak of futility to 22 innings.