In his first playoff start with the New York Yankees, the veteran left-hander’s fortunes turned quickly after a leadoff home run in the fourth inning off Salvador Perez, a longtime opponent of Rodon.

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

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

Despite another 0-for-5 night from Bobby Witt Jr. the Royals collected 11 hits and took a 4-1 lead in the ninth when Jazz Chisholm Jr. opened with a homer against closer Lucas Erceg.