KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) Johnny Giavotella hit his first major league home run and also doubled as the Kansas City Royals defeated the Detroit Tigers 4-3 on Sunday. Giavotella, promoted Friday after hitting .338 in 110 games with Triple-A Omaha, is 5 for 11 in his first three games. Giavotella led off a three-run fourth with a double and hit a solo home run in the fifth. Bruce Chen (6-5) left in the sixth after a 46-minute rain delay. Joakim Soria worked a flawless ninth for his 21st save in 27 opportunities.
The Royals will open a three-game series at Tampa Bay on Monday night. First pitch is at 6:10pm at Tropicana Field, and coverage begins at 5:35 on SportsRadio 1350 KMAN from the Royals Radio Network.