Miguel Cabrera smacked a two-run single during a four-run eighth as the Tigers rallied for a 10-7 win over the Royals in the opener of a three-game set in Kansas City. J.D. Martinez launched a three-run homer in a six-run fifth for Detroit.
Francisco Rodriguez got the win and Justin Wilson his fourth save.
Whit Merrifield finished a single shy of the cycle for Kansas City, which went ahead 7-6 on an Eric Hosmer two-run blast in the seventh.
Joakim Soria allowed all four runs in the eighth without retiring a batter to take the loss.