The Tigers took the lead for good in the seventh, hitting two homers off Royals reliever Luke Hochevar to wipe out a 4-3 deficit. James McCann tied it with a solo shot, and Cabrera hit his 13th home run with a man on to give Detroit a 6-4 lead.
Right-hander Justin Verlander went seven innings for the Tigers and got his seventh win. He gave up four runs on eight hits and struck out seven.
Royals left-hander Danny Duffy gave up three solo home runs and labored through five innings, but left with a 4-3 lead.