The Detroit Tigers beat the Kansas City Royals last night 9-3 in the series opener. Austin Jackson had four hits and two RBI's to lead the Tigers. Miguel Cabrera, Johnny Peralta and Andy Dirks had two hits apiece. Dirks had to leave the game when he appeared to pull a hamstring.

According to the Detroit News, the Tigers also got eight strong innings out of Rick Porcello who got his record back to .500. Porcello also dropped his ERA to 5.64.

Justin Verlander takes the hill against the Royals this afternoon.

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