KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Mike Mayers, a 31-year-old right-handed pitcher, has competed in parts of eight seasons in the big leagues, primarily as a reliever. He started for just the seventh time in his career Tuesday and shredded the Detroit Tigers.
Mayers, who signed a minor-league contract on the eve of Opening Day, struck out eight batters through four innings and pitched into the fifth for the Kansas City Royals in a matchup with left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez.
The Tigers lost, 4-1, in the second of three games at Kauffman Stadium ahead of Wednesday's finale.
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Once again, the Tigers (21-25) stranded too many runners.