Tigers 2, Royals 1
DETROIT -- Matt Boyd recorded his first major league victory in his Detroit Tigers debut, outdueling new Kansas City Royals ace Johnny Cueto in a 2-1 win on Wednesday night at Comerica Park.
The 24-year-old left-hander, obtained in the trade last week that sent ace left-hander David Price to Toronto, gave up one run on seven hits and struck out two in seven innings. Boyd, who lost his two starts with the Blue Jays earlier this season, recorded 15 of his 21 outs through the air.
Alex Wilson got the last out to notch his second save and center fielder Anthony Gose had an RBI triple for the Tigers (52-55).
Making his second start since he was acquired from Cincinnati, Cueto (7-7) allowed two runs on five hits with two strikeouts in seven innings. He took a no-decision at Toronto in his Royals debut.
Designated hitter Kendrys Morales tripled in the only run for the Royals (63-43).
The Tigers took the lead in the third on Gose's fifth triple of the season. His two-out smash over the head of center fielder Lorenzo Cain knocked in left fielder Tyler Collins, who led off the inning with a double.
Morales' rare triple evened the score in the fourth. First baseman Eric Hosmer smacked a two-out single before Morales ripped his shot into the left-center gap. It was his first triple since 2012 and the fifth of his career.
Another triple, second baseman Ian Kinsler's leadoff shot into the right-center gap, led to the next Detroit run. Kinsler scored on designated hitter Victor Martinez's groundout for a 2-1 edge in the fourth.
NOTES: Injured Kansas City LF Alex Gordon is expected to take batting practice this weekend when the team returns home. Gordon, on the disabled list since July 9 with a left groin strain, is hitting off a tee and doing some light running. "He's making good strides," manager Ned Yost said. ... The Royals began the day leading the majors with a .280 batting average with two outs. ... Detroit RHP Justin Verlander, who took the loss Tuesday, has not allowed a walk for 23 consecutive innings. That is the longest streak of his career. ... Through Tuesday, Detroit was 0-45 when trailing after eight innings. ... Tigers LHP Kyle Lobstein, on the disabled list since May 24 with a sore pitching shoulder, made his first rehab start with Class A Lakeland on Wednesday. He gave up two runs (one earned) in three innings.