The Tigers erased a one-run deficit with two runs in the eighth inning to defeat the Royals 2-1 at Comerica Park. Detroit trailed for six innings before breaking through against Kansas City's bullpen.
Framber Valdez anchored Detroit's effort with seven innings of one-run ball, allowing three hits and two walks while striking out one. The left-hander carried a 3.75 ERA into the contest and kept the Tigers within striking distance despite the early deficit.
The decisive eighth inning began when McKinstry scored on a wild pitch by Nick Mears to tie the game 1-1. Dillon Dingler followed with a double to left field that scored McGonigle, giving Detroit the 2-1 lead that would hold up for the victory.
Cole Ragans matched Valdez through six innings for Kansas City, allowing just one hit while walking four batters. The Royals took their early lead in the second when Carter Jensen grounded into a fielder's choice that scored Vinnie Pasquantino. Nick Mears took the loss after allowing two runs in the eighth inning.
Detroit extended its winning streak to three games and improved to 7-9. Kansas City fell to 7-9 after the loss. Valdez sits eight games away from 200 career appearances, while Ragans is 23 strikeouts from reaching 500 for his career.