Tigers Beat Royals, Earn Tie Atop AL Central
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David Banks/Getty Images(DETROIT) — Max Scherzer gave up just one run in six and two-thirds innings, helping the Detroit Tigers defeat Kansas City 4-2 on Tuesday night. The victory pulled Detroit (80-65) within percentage points of the Royals (79-64) atop the American League Central.
Rajai Davis and J.D. Martinez both homered in the game, as Detroit took a 3-0 lead after two innings. Kansas City made an attempt at a comeback in the fifth on an RBI single by Omar Infante, but could not complete the big inning against Scherzer.
Last year’s Cy Young winner only gave up seven hits and four walks, but did strike out six to improve to 16-5 on the year. Closer Joe Nathan almost gave up the lead, allowing a pair of infield singles in the ninth, but finished the job to earn his 30th save of the year.
The Tigers, who had been scuffling in August, have stayed in the pennant race thanks to impressive play against Kansas City. Detroit is 11-4 this season against the Royals and can sweep their division rivals on Wednesday.
Both teams did leapfrog the Seattle Mariners for the second wild card spot on Tuesday, thanks to Seattle’s 2-1 loss to Houston.
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