Ian Kinsler and Victor Martinez combined for four hits and four RBI to lead the Detroit Tigers to a 7-4 comeback victory over the Kansas City Royals. With the win, Detroit snapped Kansas City's eight-game home winning streak, their longest since 2003.
Anthony Gose got on base to start the game and V. Martinez drove in the center fielder with a sacrifice fly to get the Tigers off to an early lead. In the second, Nick Castellanos singled to tack on another run.
Daniel Norris was hit hard in the third and fourth inning, but was dominant the rest of the way. He gave up a two-run triple by Alcides Escobar in the third. In the fourth, the rookie gave up a RBI double to Eric Hosmer, which was followed by an Omar Infante sacrifice fly.
Norris, 22, gave up four runs (three earned runs) on six hits and three walks to the Royals. The pitcher lasted 6.1 innings and punched out two. Norris improved his ERA to 4.24, but had to settle for a no-decision.
The Royals held a 4-2 lead until the eighth inning, which is when the Tigers struck Royals starting pitcher Edinson Volquez.
A double by Kinsler down the left field line to score James McCann ended the night for Volquez. Before Kinsler's double, he gave up a single to McCann, walk to Gose, and an infield single to Jose Iglesias to load the bags with none out.
After Volquez was chased, J.D. Martinez singled to score Iglesias and Kinsler scored on Tyler Collins' ground out.
The veteran Royals pitcher tossed seven innings, but gave up six runs (five earned runs) on eight hits and two walks. Volquez is now 11-7 with a 3.27 ERA on the season.
Neftali Feliz got the win after retiring the three batters he faced. Feliz is 2-3 on the season with a 7.20 ERA. Blaine Hardy got his ninth hold of the season.
The Tigers tacked on one more run with a V. Martinez double to deep right, scoring Kinsler.
With a 7-4 lead, Bruce Rondon shut the door with a scoreless ninth inning of work. It was his second save of the season, which improved his ERA to 5.60.
As a side note, Miguel Cabrera could be back sooner than anyone expected. The former Triple Crown winner took batting practice, ground balls at first base, and ran the bases. The Tigers expect Cabrera to make his return Friday against the Houston Astros.