Tigers beat Royals 9-5, pull to within 1 game of AL Central-leading Royals

Verlander earns victory over Royals

DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers beat the Kansas City Royals 9-5 Monday evening in the first of a three-game series that holds massive AL Central implications.

Justin Verlander turned in a decent start, allowing four runs in seven innings for the win. His opponent, Jeremy Guthrie, was tagged with six earned runs on 10 hits in 2 2/3 innings.

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With the win, Detroit pulled to within 1 game of the AL Central-leading Royals. The Tigers have won 10 of 14 games against Kansas City this season with five matchups remaining.

Max Scherzer will take the mound for Detroit Tuesday night against KC's Jason Vargas as the Tigers look to draw even atop the division.