DETROIT -- A day after the Royals slowed the Tigers' playoff pursuit with a five-run rally in the ninth, they did their damage at the start, putting up a four-run opening inning Sunday and adding on from there before withstanding a furious Tigers comeback attempt for a 12-9 win at Comerica Park.
The Tigers' second straight loss dropped them 1 1/2 games behind the Orioles for the second American League Wild Card spot.
DETROIT -- The last time Tigers reliever Bruce Rondon pitched in a big game at Target Field with a postseason race in the balance, he helped clinch an American League Central title, striking out the middle of the Twins' lineup in order in the eighth inning on Sept.