DETROIT -- Mikie Mahtook was the last teammate to hug Victor Martinez before he stepped off the field for the final time in his career.
Two hours later, Mahtook broke a tie game in the eighth inning with a two-run shot to left field, leading the Detroit Tigers to a 5-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday night at Comerica Park.
With the win, the Tigers (63-92) ensured they will lose no more than 99 games in 2018, avoiding their first 100-loss season since 2003.
Tigers starter Jordan Zimmermann pitched seven innings, his longest outing since before the All-Star break, but reliever Joe Jimenez gave up the tying run in the eighth inning, ending his streak of 19 consecutive batters retired.