Brett Eibner came off the disabled list to smack his first career home run but the Kansas City Royals dropped the opener of a series with the Detroit Tigers at Kaufmann Stadium Thursday by the final of 10-4. The loss snapped the Royals five-game winning streak.
Victor Martinez matched a career-best with three home runs as the Royals surrendered six in total to the Tigers.
Kansas City took an early lead, posting two in the first before the Tigers would respond with one in the top of the second. KC would reclaim the two run lead with a run in the bottom of the frame before Detroit would tie it up with two in the fourth. Eibner’s home run gave the Royals the lead again in the fifth but the Tigers would respond with three in both the seventh and eigth and a solo tally in the ninth.
Justin Verlander allowed four runs on eight hits over seven innings, continuing his mastery of the Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Verlander improved to 13-5 in 22 starts in the ballpark.
Danny Duffy started for the Royals and took a no-decision after giving up three earned over five innings of work. Luke Hochevar takes the loss in relief.
