NEW YORK — Carlos Rodon was ablaze, striking out the side to open Game 2 of the AL Division Series.

Making his first New York Yankees playoff start, the veteran lefty’s fortunes turned quickly after a fourth inning leadoff homer by Salvador Perez – a longtime Rodon antagonist.

That started a four-run frame by the Kansas City Royals, who knocked out Rodon and held on Monday night, handing the Yankees a 4-2 loss at Yankee Stadium.

Now, the best-of-five ALDS switches to Kansas City’s Kauffman Stadium for Games 3 and 4, with the Royals trying desperately not to return to the Bronx for a deciding Game 5.

Despite another 0-for-5 night by Bobby Witt Jr., the Royals banged out 11 hits and took a 4-1 lead into the ninth, when Jazz Chisholm Jr. led off with a homer against closer Lucas Erceg.

Jon Berti’s two-out single brought the tying run to the plate, but Gleyber Torres grounded out to end it.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Royals even series with Yankees, ALDS shifts to Kansas City