(My Sportsbook) - Kyle Snyder faced Toronto for the first time in his young career and pitched well before surrendering a three run homer to Josh Phelps in a 4-3 setback to the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday.

Snyder (0-1) worked 6 1/3 innings of eight-hit ball, surrendering four runs while striking out two and walking two. It was the 6-foot-8 righthander's first career decision in four starts.

Mike Sweeney went 2-for-3 with a run scored and Ken Harvey was 2-for-4 with an RBI for the Royals, who have lost five of their last six and fell one-half game behind Minnesota in the AL Central. Carlos Beltran added a homer, his sixth of the year.

Runelvys Hernandez takes the mound for the Royals on Tuesday, when they open up a three-game set against the Seattle Mariners. Hernandez is 4-3 with a 2.79 ERA in nine starts this season.

In his last outing on Wednesday, Hernandez was roughed up for six runs on six hits over five innings of a 7-0 loss to the Minnesota Twins. He struck out three and walked two in receiving his third consecutive loss.

Hernandez has never faced the Seattle Mariners in his major league career.

The Royals were outscored 29-8 by Toronto in the Series.

The Royals are 6-13 versus the AL East this season.