Kennedy pitches Royals to win over Tigers
DETROIT -- Ian Kennedy pitched 6 2/3 strong innings to collect his first victory since June 26 and the suddenly resurgent Kansas City Royals edged the Detroit Tigers 3-1 on Monday at Comerica Park.
Kennedy (7-9) snapped a streak of eight consecutive starts without a victory, though he was unlucky in his last three outings. He has gone at least six innings and given up one or no runs in fourth straight starts. He allowed one run on five hits and struck out five on Monday.
Eric Hosmer, Raul Mondesi and Lorenzo Cain drove in the Royals' runs.
Cain, Cheslor Cuthbert, Alex Gordon and Alcides Escobar had two hits apiece. Kelvin Herrera picked up his fifth save for the defending champions, who have won seven of their last nine to move within two games of .500.
J.D Martinez provided the Tigers offense with his 16th home run of the season in the seventh inning.
Detroit starter Daniel Norris (1-1) allowed two runs -- one earned -- in 5 1/3 innings. He gave up six hits and walked a career-high four.
Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera left the game prior to the fifth inning with a left biceps strain. Detroit already has three starting position players on the disabled list -- center fielder Cameron Maybin, third baseman Nick Castellanos and shortstop Jose Iglesias.
Norris gave up an unearned run in the first. He walked the first batter, Paulo Orlando, then made a throwing error on Cuthbert's infield single. That advanced Orlando to third and Eric Hosmer brought him home with a sacrifice fly.
Detroit second baseman Ian Kinsler made a diving stop in the fifth and threw out Kendrys Morales with runners in scoring position, keeping the score at 1-0.
The Royals tacked on a run in the sixth. Gordon doubled with one out and advanced on a wild pitch. After a walk, Norris was relieved by Alex Wilson. Mondesi then reached on a bunt single, scoring Gordon.
NOTES: Detroit RHP Mike Pelfrey said he's without pain for three days and will throw a side session on Friday. Pelfrey was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Aug. 3 with a lower back strain. He'll make at least two rehab starts before he's activated, according to manager Brad Ausmus. ... Tigers RHP Justin Verlander has 22 career victories over the Royals, the most by an active pitcher. He is scheduled to start on Tuesday. ... Detroit RHP Michael Fulmer, who tossed a shutout at Texas on Sunday, will have his next start pushed back. The Tigers are trying to ration the rookie's innings the rest of the season. ... Kansas City LHP Jason Vargas will begin a rehab stint with Double-A Northwest Arkansas on Wednesday. Vargas underwent Tommy John surgery last August. ... The Royals had a 27-17 record against Central Division opponents entering Monday's game.