KANSAS CITY, MO. — The Royals faced another stiff test from the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday night.

The Blue Jays, who reached the playoffs last season, arrived in Kansas City on a hot streak. Toronto had won six of its last eight games, all against quality opponents.

The Royals hoped to snap a streak of their own, but instead the Blue Jays extended it — to three straight losses — with a 5-3 decision in Monday night’s series opener at Kauffman Stadium.

Blue Jays starter Yusei Kikuchi worked six efficient innings and allowed just two earned runs.

Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia drove in those runs. He hit a two-run homer into the left-field seats as KC avoided being shut out for the second night in a row.

The Blue Jays (13-10) scored early against Royals starting pitcher Brady Singer.

In the third inning, Bo Bichette hit a three-run triple that bounced off the glove of Royals outfielder Garrett Hampson. Later, Daulton Varsho hit a two-run homer to give the Blue Jays a 5-0 lead.

Singer fell to 2-1 with the loss. He was charged with all five runs in six innings.

The Royals collected eight hits but couldn’t close the gap down the stretch. Kyle Isbel hit a solo homer in the ninth inning, but Blue Jays closer Jordan Romano picked up his third save.

The Royals dropped to 13-10 — and 1-3 to start their current seven-game homestand.

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