By Dave Hart
LocalSportsJournal.com
Tigers 5, Royals 4 (12 innings) – Dixon Machado’s walk-off hit gave the Tigers their second straight 12th inning victory on Friday night, as they defeated the division leading Kansas City Royals.
Miguel Cabrera hit a double and knocked in two runs for Detroit.
Detroit starting pitcher Justin Verlander had a strong outing despite taking a tough no decision, he allowed two runs on five hits in 8 2/3 innings.
The Tigers were one out away from a victory until Royals catcher Salvador Perez tied the game with a two-run home run to force extra innings.
Drew VerHagen picked up the victory for the Tigers, allowing one run on one hit in the 12th inning.
The Tigers will look to get a series win over the Royals with a victory on Saturday night.
Record: 68-78
5th Place in AL Central (17.5 games behind Kansas City)
8 games behind Houston for last playoff spot.
Misery # (to elimination from playoff contention): 8
Magic # to clinch their 5th straight playoff berth: 24
Next Game: 09/19/2015 vs Kansas City Royals 7:08 p.m. @ Comerica Park
Hitting Stats: Miguel Cabrera 2B (28) 2 RBI (70), Victor Martinez RBI (56), Tyler Collins RBI (17), Dixon Machado RBI (3), Anthony Gose 2B (22).
Pitching Stats: Drew VerHagen W (2-0) 1 IP 1 H 1 R 1 ER 1 BB 0 K, Justin Verlander 8.2 IP 5 H 2 R 2 ER 1 BB 7 K.
