PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (CBSNewYork/AP) — 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. Matt Harvey is slated to start Opening Day,  and Syndergaard will pitch the second game Tuesday.

"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.

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