Royals starter Bruce Chen gave up three home runs in the 4.2 innings he pitched allowing seven runs as the Royals lost to Detroit 8-5.  The big blast came from Marcus Thames, a three run shot in a four run fifth inning.  With Kyle Davies and Sidney Ponson pitching well at AAA, I would say it’s time to end the Bruce Chen experiment. 

Before Thames, Miguel Cabrera connected on a solo shot in the first inning. In the third, Placido Polanco followed a walk with a home run for two of his four RBIs. Verlander is now 9-1 in his career against Kansas City after going six innings allowing five runs, three earned while striking out 11.

The Royals didn’t go down quietly.  David DeJesus cleared the bases with a double in the second inning after Jose Guillen and Alberto Callaspo singled before newcomer Ryan Freel reached on catcher’s interference.  In the sixth, Billy Butler led off with a home run to left field. Then an error and Guillen’s single added another run to pull to within 7-5.