(Sports Network) – Willie Bloomquist hit a solo homer off Alfredo Figaro in the top of the 12th inning, as the Kansas City Royals rallied past the Detroit Tigers, 4-3, to avoid a three-game sweep at Comerica Park.
Bloomquist was batting third thanks to a surprise decision from Royals manager Ned Yost prior to the game.
Yost backed up his decision however, and delivered in a big way with his guarantee.
“I guarantee you he’ll get a couple of hits. You watch.”
Kila Ka’aihue added a solo homer, drove in two runs, and scored twice for the Royals, who avoided being swept in Detroit for the first time since 2002. Brayan Pena tied the game in the eighth with an RBI double.
Sean O’Sullivan went seven innings in the start, allowing three runs on seven hits. Philip Humber (1-0) pitched three scoreless frames of relief to pick up his first win in the majors.
Ramon Santiago went 3-for-5 with two RBI and a run scored for the Tigers, who finished a six-game homestand with a 5-1 record.
Armando Galarraga was solid in 6 1/3 frames, giving up one run on five hits. Figaro (0-1) allowed three hits and walked two over three innings of relief to take the loss.