By AP
DETROIT – DETROIT (AP) - Marcus Thames hit a three-run homer to power Justin Verlander and the Detroit Tigers to an 8-5 win over the Kansas City Royals.
Verlander (9-4) struck out 11 Tuesday night to run his AL-best total to 141, the most by a Detroit pitcher before the All-Star game in 37 years. He gave up five runs and seven hits over six innings.
Miguel Cabrera and Placido Polanco also homered for the Tigers.
Three relievers combined for two innings to set up Fernando Rodney's 18th save in 18 chances.
David DeJesus hit a three-run double in the second inning for Kansas City and Billy Butler added a solo homer in the sixth. Bruce Chen (0-3) allowed seven runs and five walks in 4 2-3 innings.