Tigers Sneak Past Royals 5-4
DETROIT (AP) - Wilson Betemit capped Detroit's three-run eighth inning with a tiebreaking RBI double against his former team, leading the Tigers to a 5-4 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday.
Austin Jackson went 4 for 4 and scored three times for the AL Central-leading Tigers, who have won seven of 10. Miguel Cabrera added two hits and Jose Valverde worked the ninth for his 40th save in 40 chances.
Eric Hosmer had a pair of solo homers for Kansas City, which has dropped four of six.
Jackson sparked the winning rally with a leadoff triple against Blake Wood. Ramon Santiago followed with a sacrifice fly that trimmed Kansas City's lead to 4-3.
With one out and Delmon Young on first, Victor Martinez hit an RBI double into left-center. Alex Gordon made a diving attempt on the ball but couldn't haul it in.
Alex Avila was intentionally walked before Betemit hit a liner into the right-field corner to drive in pinch-runner Brennan Boesch. Jeff Francoeur cut down Avila at the plate to end the inning.
The Tigers acquired the journeyman Betemit from the Royals on July 20.
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