DETROIT (AP) Omar Infante hit a three-run homer in the sixth inning and had an RBI single in a four-run fifth against former teammate Justin Verlander, helping the Kansas City Royals beat the Detroit Tigers 11-8 Monday night.
Kansas City has won a season-high eight straight to pull within a half-game of the AL Central-leading Tigers.
Detroit scored six runs in the ninth inning and pulled within three on J.D. Martinez’s two-out grand slam off Donnie Joseph.
Michael Mariot struck out Austin Jackson looking for the final out.
Jason Vargas (7-2) gave up two runs on seven hits and two walks to win his third straight.
Verlander (6-7) allowed seven earned runs in consecutive starts for the first time in his career, giving up a season-high 12 hits and striking out two over six innings.
The Royals would also be in the playoffs if the season ended on Monday as they’re tied for the AL Wild Card lead with the LA Angels.
KC and Detroit play game two of their four-game set on Tuesday night at 6:08pm. It’s a showdown on the mound between Royals rookie Yordano Ventura and the Tigers reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer. Pregame begins at 5:30 on NewsRadio 1350 KMAN from the Royals Radio Network.
