Kinsler Hits 2-Run Homer In Ninth, Tigers Top Royals 8-6
By DAVE HOGG/Associated Press
DETROIT (AP) - Ian Kinsler hit a two-run homer off Ryan Madson in the ninth inning to give the Detroit Tigers an 8-6 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Thursday.
Jose Iglesias led off with a single against Madson (1-2) before Kinsler hit a 2-0 fastball into the bullpen in left field.
Alex Wilson (2-3) got the win after getting out of a bases-loaded jam in the ninth.
Victor Martinez hit a three-run homer in the third and a two-run shot in the fifth to help the Tigers take a 6-3 lead. Martinez hadn't homered since July 17 and hadn't had a multi-homer game since hitting two for Boston against Toronto on Sept. 17, 2010.
The Royals tied it with a three-run seventh. Drew Butera led off with a homer, and Kendrys Morales had a two-run double.
The game was delayed for several minutes when a squirrel ran around on the field. It briefly ended up in the Tigers' dugout, then raced into left field.
TRAINER'S ROOM
Royals: With a day game after a night game, Alex Gordon had a quiet day in his recovery from a groin strain. Gordon took batting practice off soft tosses Wednesday and hopes to return by the end of the month.
Tigers: Although 1B Miguel Cabrera (calf strain) was told by the team to take his time recovering from injury, now that the Tigers are out of the postseason race, manager Brad Ausmus said he thinks Cabrera could be back in the lineup by the end of the month - about two weeks later than earlier hoped.
UP NEXT
Royals: Kansas City returns home for a weekend series with the White Sox. Edinson Volquez (10-6, 3.20) faces Chicago's John Danks (6-8, 4.80) in Friday's opener.
Tigers: Detroit remains at home for three games this weekend with Boston. Daniel Norris (2-1, 3.23), acquired in last week's David Price trade, starts on Friday against Joe Kelly (3-6, 6.11).
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