Delmon Young’s two-run homer in the sixth inning gave Detroit the lead Friday and the Tigers held on to down Kansas City 4-2.
Four Detroit relievers combined to throw one-hit ball over the final three innings in bringing the Tigers their third straight win.
Quintin Berry delivered a two-run triple for Detroit in the third, but the Royals tied it in the fifth on an RBI double from Brayan Pena and a run-producing single by Jason Bourgeois.
Prince Fielder led off the sixth with a single against Kansas City starter Jonathan Sanchez (1-5) and Young followed with his home run on a 3-1 pitch.
Drew Smyly (4-3) lasted six innings to get the win, striking out 10 without a walk. Jose Valverde struck out one in a perfect ninth for his 16th save.