Detroit, MI (Sports Network) - Prince Fielder homered and Justin Verlander
tossed eight solid innings, as the Detroit Tigers defeated the Kansas City
Royals, 6-2, in the opener of a four-game series.
Andy Dirks knocked in two runs for the Tigers, who are one-half game behind
the White Sox for first place in the AL Central. Chicago is playing the
Indians on Monday.
Verlander (16-8) gave up two runs on nine hits while striking out eight for
Detroit, which snapped a two-game skid. The right-hander improved to 12-7 in
23 career starts against Kansas City.
Alex Gordon hit a solo homer for the Royals, who have lost two straight since
a four-game winning streak. Billy Butler went 3-for-4 with an RBI.
Luke Hochevar (8-15) allowed six runs -- five earned -- on 12 hits over 7 1/3
innings. He fell to 1-6 over his last 10 starts.
The Sports Network