It turned out to be a pitching duel on Thursday evening, but it was the Detroit Tigers who got the best of the match up, as they defeated the Kansas City Royals 3-1 at Kauffman Stadium. Max Scherzer allowed just one run over 6.2 innings as he improved his season's mark to 10-4 with the latest victory.
Scherzer's counterpart, Danny Duffy, was on mark as well. Duffy allowed just two runs on four hits spread out over six innings as he fell to 1-4 on the year. Duffy continued to show improved control as he struck out six while walking just one. The only runs Duffy gave up were on a two-out two-run home run in the second inning by Tigers second basemen Ryan Rayburn.
Kansas City drew within 2-1 in the fifth inning as the rookies teamed up for a run as Mike Moustakas grounded out to score Eric Hosmer.
Not much else of substance happened from there on out, as the Tigers scored another run in the top of the ninth against Aaron Crow as Don Kelly hit his third home run of the season.
The Royals did get a hit and walk against Detroit closer Jose Valverde, but he was able to hold down the fort for his 22nd save. Kansas City falls to 36-52, with three more games over the week against Detroit.
Also of note, Royals left fielder Alex Gordon was unable to secure a spot in the 2011 All-Star Game next week as he finished third in the American League final vote for the last roster spot. The spot ended up going to Chicago's Paul Konerko. Gordon finished third out of the five nominees.