Dombrowski says there were no contract talks with Tigers

Salvador Perez had three hits, including a two-run homer, and three RBIs to lead the Kansas City Royals to a 5-1 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday night at Comerica Park. Meant a lot that all the fans did that.

Jonathan Papelbon posted his 19th save of the season and his second with the Nationals, despite allowing an unearned run in the ninth. “I was just kind of searching for it, so you’ve really got to bear down and execute when you’re really only throwing two pitches for strikes”.

Kansas City may have better luck at the plate with the Tigers turning to Anibal Sanchez (10-9, 4.77 ERA), who has allowed a career-high 24 homers to rank among the most in the majors – a source of frustration for the right-hander.

“I’ve decided to release Dave from his contract in order to afford him the time to pursue other career opportunities”, Ilitch said in a statement. “But I had been the one that coordinated all of the information about the players involved in the moves, and I agreed with every one of them”. “So that … I know I have that from him”.

“He was great out there”, said Tigers catcher James McCann.

Johnny Cueto (7-7) couldn’t pick up his first win for Kansas City despite allowing only two runs on five hits in seven innings.

“He was pitching up in the zone, but we couldn’t catch up with his fastball, ” Royals manager Ned Yost told The Associated Press after the game. “He had all of his pitches working”. Alex Wilson got the final out, after giving up a hit, and earned his second career save. “We were sellers at the deadline, but we still have a good enough nucleus to win this season”.

The Tigers broke a scoreless tie in the third when Gose’s two-out triple over the head of Lorenzo Cain brought home Tyler Collins.

Detroit came into the season looking for a fifth straight American League Central division title, but now trail the Royals by 12 1/2 games. Cueto has been solid in two starts since joining the Royals, but is still searching for his first win in Royal blue.

After the game, Tigers manager Brad Ausmus confirmed that Wilson will be the closer to replace Joakim Soria, who was traded to Pittsburgh. Ian Kinsler leads Detroit with 125 hits and 47 RBI while J.D. Martinez and Jose Iglesias have combined for 92 RBI. Gordon, who has been out since July 8, is hoping to progress to shagging balls and full batting practice later this week with an eye to returning in late August.

Perez had a. 429 average against Verlander in 35 previous at-bats and did more damage to stake his club to a 3-0 lead.

DODGERS 4, PHILLIES 3 Yasiel Puig hit a three-run home run, Brett Anderson allowed one run in six innings and visiting Los Angeles beat Philadelphia.