Detroit — AJ Hinch has been thinking about moving Akil Baddoo into the leadoff spot for a while now. But he wanted him to earn the privilege, which he certainly did hitting .300 with a .400 on-base average the last two weeks.
Baddoo then validated the strategy Thursday afternoon, triggering a four-run fifth inning that helped the Tigers equal a season-long six-game winning streak and sweep the Royals, 10-3, at Comerica Park.
The win also ensured the club will not lose 100 games.
"We never talked about it but it was an obvious possibility," said catcher Tucker Barnhart, who had a three-hit, two-RBI day.