Ian Kinsler hit a two-run homer off Ryan Madson in the ninth inning to give the Detroit Tigers an 8-6 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Thursday.
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Both times Martinez swatted a home run on Thursday, the inning was kept alive by the Royals’ failure to turn a double play. Sanchez then gave up single and walked Alex Rios to load the bases once again.
Victor Martinez: Had five of the Tigers’ RBI’s with a three-run home run and a two-run home run. Kinsler is now 1 for 13 with the bases loaded this season.
Today’s showdown between the two American League Central rivals was interrupted in the 8th inning by a black squirrel running around the field at Comerica Park, drawing laughter and cheering from fans at the game.
Anibal Sanchez has given up a home run in four straight starts and a career high 24 on the season. Sanchez limited the damage to three runs after retiring his next three batters in order.
Behind Martinez’s first home run of the game, the Tigers erased the Royals’ lead in the third. Detroit starter Anibal Sanchez allowed four runs and five hits in six-plus innings.
Designated hitter Kendrys Morales and second baseman Omar Infante drove in two runs apiece for the Royals (63-44). He last hit two-plus homers in a game on September 17, 2010. Martinez followed with a fly ball that barely carried over the right-field wall, giving the Tigers a 4-3 advantage. It marked his first multi-homer game since 2010, the year before he signed with the Tigers.
Kansas City tied it in the seventh. Cabrera, who is taking batting practice, has been on the 15-day disabled list since July 4.
The next exciting play came in the Tigers’ half of the eighth inning, as pinch runner Rajai Davis reached third base on a stolen base and an error.
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Royals: With a day game after a night game, Alex Gordon had a quiet day in his recovery from a groin strain.
