Bottom 7th: Tigers 5, Royals 3
For the second straight inning, Scott Alexander took the mound in relief.
It took nine pitches to retire Justin Upton on strikes for the first out. Miguel Cabrera then struck out as well with an ugly swing on a pitch in the dirt.
J.D. Martinez remained hot, smacking a triple into the left center field gap with two gone. Nick Castellanos grounded out weakly to end the inning.
Top 7th: Tigers 5, Royals 3
Justin Verlander looked to finish the game with seven strong innings under his belt with his pitch count rising.