The Kansas City Royals have begun a very important series against the Detroit Tigers that will match up KC and Detroit with five games in four days. With the Royals trying to compete for a wildcard spot, every game matters down the stretch of the season.
Jeremy Guthrie (12-9) allowed four runs and 13 hits in seven innings for the Royals as he picked up the loss. Prince Fielder homered for the first time in three weeks, hitting a two-run shot in the first inning. Andy Dirks added two doubles and two singles for the AL Central-leading Tigers.
The Royals (62-57) have lost three in a row after a 17-3 stretch that put them in contention for a postseason spot. Detroit and Kansas City play a doubleheader Friday. The Tigers send RHP Justin Verlander (12-8) to the mound in the opener against Royals LHP Danny Duffy (0-0). Detroit LHP Jose Alvarez (1-2) faces Kansas City RHP James Shields (7-8) in the nightcap.
