The Royals are on their way to somewhere they don’t want to be. On the night the Tigers celebrated their postseason clinching win, the Royals continue to stare drudgery in the eyeballs. Detroit will be in the playoffs for the first time since 1987, but Kansas City might lose 100 games for the third straight season. It didn’t take long for the outcome to be determined in the Tigers 11-4 win over the Royals, Sunday.
Detroit scored nine runs in the second inning. Craig Monroe (3-for-5) ended the night for Royals starter Runelvys Hernandez with a three-run homer that made it 8-0. Brandon Inge then capped off the inning with a solo shot off reliever Todd Wellemeyer’s first pitch. Former Royals designated hitter Matt Stairs added another homer against his former team to along with two RBI and two runs scored.
Justin Verlander held KC to two runs on six hits in five innings. Manager Jim Leyland was able to give Verlander extra rest because of the big early lead. Jason Grilli, Jamie Walker, Zach Miner, and first-round pick Andrew Miller each pitched an inning of relief. Walker and Miller both surrendered a run apiece.
David DeJesus did his job going 3-for-3 with two RBI. Jeff Kippinger collected three hits. Joey Gathright chipped in with two RBI.
The Royals are faced with the daunting task of needing five wins in seven games to avoid the century mark in losses. Their last seven games are against the Twins and Tigers.
