AP News
(2010-06-06 02:30:13)
KANSAS CITY (Reuters) - The Detroit Tigers scored three runs with two outs in the eighth inning then held off a Kansas City Royals rally for a 4-2 victory on Saturday.
The Tigers had taken a 1-0 lead on Miguel Cabrera's solo home run in the sixth inning before Carlos Guillen hit a two-run double and Brandon Inge an RBI single to give them a 4-0 lead heading into the bottom of the eighth.
Detroit, however, allowed the Royals back into the game when starter Justin Verlander left with runners at first and third with no outs, and relievers Joel Zumaya and Phil Coke combined for just one out while allowing two runs.
Tigers' closer Jose Valverde, however, was then brought in early by manager Jim Leyland and he got Mike Aviles to hit into a double play to end the threat. He then pitched a scoreless ninth to earn his 12th save of the season.
Verlander improved to 6-4 allowing two earned runs in seven innings on five hits while striking out four and walking three.
Royals' starter Blake Hochevar took the loss while allowing one run in seven innings, striking out a season high 10 batters and walking four.
(Reporting by Mike Mouat in Windsor, Ontario; Editing by Greg Stutchbury)
