Royals top Mets, move closer to World Series title

Kansas City Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer (35) celebrates with shortstop Alcides Escobar (2) after scoring a run against the New York Mets in the 8th inning in game four of the World Series at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez (second from left) celebrates with teammates after defeating the New York Mets in game four of the World Series at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

New York Mets relief pitcher Hansel Robles throws a pitch against the Kansas City Royals in the 9th inning in game four of the World Series at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

New York Mets outfielder Yoenis Cespedes (52) hits a single against the Kansas City Royals in the 9th inning in game four of the World Series at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

NEW YORK — The Kansas City Royals moved within one win of their first World Series crown in 30 years by beating the New York Mets 5-3 on Saturday to take a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven for the Major League Baseball championship.

An error by Mets second baseman Daniel Murphy, their National League championship series hero, on a slow roller by Eric Hosmer in the eighth inning opened the floodgates for the Royals, who turned a 3-2 deficit into a 5-3 lead.

The three-run burst against relievers Tyler Clippard and Jeurys Familia negated a pair of home runs hit by Mets’ rookie Michael Conforto.

Kansas City closer Wade Davis came on in the eighth to register a six-out save, with reliever Ryan Madson claiming the win.

The Royals will seek to end the series with a Game Five win in New York on Sunday. A Mets win would send the series back to Kansas City for Game Six on Tuesday.