Recap: Detroit vs. Kansas City
Sports Network | September 24, 2008
Detroit, MI (Sports Network) - Mitch Maier's three-run triple capped a seven- run fifth inning, helping Kansas City to a 10-4 win over the Tigers to complete a sweep at Comerica Park.
Winners in 11 of their last 13 contests, the Royals moved a game ahead of Detroit for fourth place in the AL Central. Kansas City is trying to end the season out of the basement in the division after four straight last-place finishes.
Tony Pena and John Buck each delivered two RBI for the Royals, who outscored the Tigers 21-6 over the three-game series.
Brian Bannister (9-16) allowed seven hits in six shutout innings to win for just the second time in his last 12 decisions.
Nate Robertson (7-11) was dealt the loss after surrendering seven hits and eight runs -- seven earned -- over 4 2/3 innings. He also had control problems, walking four batters, including three in the pivotal fifth inning.
Placido Polanco belted a three-run homer and Mike Hessman added a solo shot for the Tigers, who have dropped six straight and 12 of their last 13 games
Pena singled to right scoring Alex Gordon in the second inning, and Buck drove in Ryan Shealy with a base hit in the fourth.
Kansas City sent 11 men to the plate in the big fifth inning. Maier singled, and with one out, Esteban German walked before Mike Aviles singled to load the bases. Jose Guillen then beat out a potential double-play grounder for another run before Buck walked to load the bases again.
Chris Lambert then relieved Robertson, but he walked Pena, and Maier followed with a triple down the right-field line for the 9-0 cushion.
Joey Gathright's infield single drove in a run in the seventh before Hessman homered to left in the bottom of the inning off Kip Wells.
Polanco homered to left field with two outs in the ninth off Ron Mahay.
Jeff Larish had three hits for Detroit...Royals right fielder David DeJesus left the game due to tightness in his right hip flexor. He's day-to- day...Tigers reliever Todd Jones has decided to call it a career upon the conclusion of the 2008 season. An official announcement is expected Thursday...The Tigers will host playoff-bound Tampa Bay in a four- game set this weekend, while the Royals have a day off before traveling to Minnesota for three contests to end the season...The Royals finished 11-7 against the Tigers in 2008...Hessman's home run snapped an 18 2/3 scoreless innings streak for the Tigers.
