Royals starter Ervin Santana was once again excellent, blanking the Tigers over six and two-thirds innings of work. The right-hander allowed just five hits and walked one while striking out five. He was lifted in the seventh after recording the second out following back-to-back singles, though his pitch count was only at 83. Lefty Will Smith was brought in to face Alex Avila. Avila was pinch-hit for by Nick Castellanos, who flew out to end the inning.
The Royals got their only run in the first when Eric Hosmer tripled to center, scoring Alex Gordon. Otherwise, Tigers starter Doug Fister was excellent, throwing seven and two-thirds quality innings.
Luke Hochevar pitched a scoreless eighth for the Royals, lowering his ERA to 1.67. Greg Holland worked around a lead-off walk in the ninth for his 43rd save of the season, lowering his ERA to 1.33.
With the victory (their 14th in their last 20 games), the Royals improve to 78-70, moving them three games behind the Rays for the second AL Wild Card. They are now tied with the Orioles and a half-game behind the Yankees. The Indians are in the process of wrapping up a victory over the White Sox to move one game behind the Rays.
