The Royals playoff hopes were officially dashed last night. They lost to the Tigers 15-6 and the Twins won their tenth straight to clinch the American League Central title. Jose Lima got the start for Kansas City and was shelled. He was chased in the fourth inning with the Tigers leading 7-2, dropping to 8-2 on the season. The Royals trailed 7-2 in the fourth inning before Ken Harvey led off with a home run to cut the lead to three. With the bases loaded, Rondell White drove in Aaron Guiel and Angel Berroa with a single. Carlos Beltran stole home to make it 7-6, but that’s as close as the Royals got. Detroit scored in every inning but the eighth and ninth. Detroit starter Mike Maroth avoided his 22nd loss, despite allowing five runs off ten hits.