Tigers 5, Royals 4
Wilson Betemit had the go-ahead double in a three-run eighth inning as the Detroit Tigers rallied for a 5-4 victory over the visiting Kansas City Royals on Wednesday afternoon.
Victor Martinez doubled in the tying run and Austin Jackson went 4-for-4 with three runs scored for the Tigers, who came from behind late to beat the Royals for the second day in a row.
Detroit leads Cleveland by 5 1/2 games in the American League Central.
Carrying a 4-2 lead into the eighth inning, Kansas City was once again let down by its bullpen. Jackson led off with a triple off Blake Wood (5-2) and came in on Ramon Santiago’s sacrifice fly. Delmon Young singled and scored on Martinez’s hit and Betemit followed an intentional walk to Alex Avila by lacing a double into the right field corner against his former team.
Daniel Schlereth (2-1) picked up the win in relief and Jose Valverde worked the ninth for his AL-leading 40th save. Valverde has yet to blow a save this season.
Eric Hosmer hit a pair of solo homers for the Royals.