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Royals forgo review, give up run in 4th

Mets score after KC chooses not to use challenge

KANSAS CITY -- The Mets capitalized on a rare misplay from Royals third baseman Mike Moustakas, and perhaps a refusal to challenge a close call at first base, to take an early lead in Game 2 of the World Series on Wednesday night at Kauffman Stadium. But it was the Royals who rallied for a 7-1 victory to grab a 2-0 edge in the best-of-seven set, which continues Friday (air time 7:30 p.m. ET on FOX, game time at 8 p.m.) at Citi Field in New York.

With runners on first and second and one out in the top of the fourth, Moustakas cleanly fielded a sharp grounder from Yoenis Cespedes, then stepped on third base and fired to first for a potential inning-ending double play. But Moustakas' throw sailed wide, and first-base umpire Mike Winters ruled that Eric Hosmer didn't keep his foot on the bag as he stretched for it, deeming Cespedes safe.

The next batter, Lucas Duda, flared a single into shallow left field off Johnny Cueto to put New York on the board -- and the Royals were probably left wondering if they should've utilized one of their two challenges.

Replay seemed inconclusive, but it appeared there was at least a slight chance that Hosmer kept his foot on the side of the base while ranging to his right to scoop Moustakas' short-hop.

Alden Gonzalez is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @Alden_Gonzalez and Facebook , and listen to his podcast.
Read More: Kansas City Royals, Mike Moustakas, Eric Hosmer