The Royals pitching staff was stronger than expected, but the offense was almost non-existent in their 3-1 opening day loss to the Tigers.
Chris Shelton got the Tigers on board with a solo homer in the top of the fourth, off Royals starter Scott Elarton. The Royals responded with an RBI single from right fielder Reggie Sanders to tie the game at 1-1.
The game stayed tied until Shelton blasted his second of the game, with two outs in the sixth. That one was also off Elarton, who was then pulled and later got the loss.
Detroit added another run with a solo homer from Carlos Guillen in the eighth inning to make it 3-1.
Kenny Rogers allowed three of the Royals’ four hits on Monday to get the win for Detroit.