Jose Valverde returned to Detroit with a save and Victor Martinez drove in a pair of runs to help the Tigers beat the Kansas City Royals 7-5 Wednesday night.
The Royals scored four runs in the third inning with five straight hits to begin the inning from Salvador Perez, Chris Getz, Alex Gordon, Alcides Escobar and Billy Butler to take a 4-1 lead.
Detroit pulled within 4-3 of Kansas City in the bottom of third, and a Mike Moustakas error at third base keyed a four-run fourth to put the Tigers ahead 7-4.
The Royals best chance to rally came in the top of the fifth when they loaded the bases with nobody out on two walks and an infield single. But, KC only could garner a bases loaded walk to force in a single run. Detroit winning pitcher Max Scherzer (2-0) induced a groundball force out at home, and struck out Lorenzo Cain and Moustakas to end the frame.
Wade Davis (2-1) took the loss for the Royals, giving up seven runs three earned in 3 2-3 innings. Davis allowed eight hits and four walks while only getting 11 outs.
