Schwei’s Mets Notes: Amazin’s Open Vs. Defending World Champs For Just 3rd Time

Matt Harvey of the New York Mets reacts to striking out the side in the fourth inning against the Kansas City Royals during Game 5 of the World Series at Citi Field on Nov. 1, 2015. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)» More Columns

The New York Mets begin the 2016 season Sunday night against the team they lost to in the 2015 World Series, the Kansas City Royals. It will be the third time in club history the Mets play the reigning Fall Classic winner in a season opener.

Mets openers against the defending World Series champions:

• 1972 Pirates 0 at Mets 4. Tom Seaver and Tug McGraw combine on a five-hit shutout. Ed Kranepool homers, and the newly acquired Jim Fregosi has an RBI double in the season…