Tigers rally from early 4-run deficit, hang on to beat Royals

Matt Vierling's sixth-inning single capped a rally that would carry the visiting Detroit Tigers past the Kansas City Royals, 7-6, in Monday's opener of a three-game series.

After pinch hitter Wenceel Perez's two-run double tied the game at 6, Vierling collected his third hit, an opposite-field line drive to right, highlighting a three-run frame against reliever Sam Long (3-2).

Trailing 4-0, Detroit began their comeback in the fourth on Zach McKinstry's triple and Trey Sweeney's sacrifice fly, then added three in the fifth, highlighted by Colt Keith's 13th homer, a two-run shot to right-center.

The Tigers collected four hits in the fifth to chase Royals starter Seth Lugo, who threw 4 2/3 innings, allowing four runs on eight hits.

Despite allowing four baserunners over the final three innings, relievers Brenan Hanifee (1-1), Will Vest and Bo Brieske held the Royals scoreless over the final four innings, then Jason Foley earned his 24th save with a hitless ninth.

Parker Meadows had two infield hits for the Tigers, who have won 8 of 11. Detroit (78-73) gained a game in the wild-card race behind Minnesota, which lost 4-3 in Cleveland. The Tigers now sit a game and a half back.

Loading the bases to open the third, Kansas City took a 4-0 lead when Bobby Witt Jr. lifted Reese Olson's one-out curveball into the left field stands.

Returning from a right shoulder strain to pitch for the first time since July 20, Olson threw 2 1/3 innings, allowing four runs on four hits and a walk with three strikeouts.

In the fourth, MJ Melendez tripled and scored on pinch-hitter Maikel Garcia's single through a drawn-in infield for a 5-1 advantage.

After Kyle Isbel opened the fifth with a triple to right, Witt added a fifth RBI on an infield single -- his 200th hit of the year -- for a 6-4 Royals lead.

Isbel and Yuli Gurriel each had two hits for Kansas City (82-69), which fell five games behind division-leading Cleveland.

Royals reliever James McArthur exited the game in the seventh with right elbow tightness.