Kansas City, MO (Sports Network) - After scoring 13 runs on Saturday, the Kansas City Royals were held to just one, but that's what happens when teams face Detroit's Justin Verlander.
Verlander (12-4) threw 7 2/3 innings of one-run ball as the Tigers took a 2-1 win over the Royals in the finale of a four-game series.
The Detroit ace, who allowed just six hits and fanned nine, was one of the best pitchers before the All-Star break and is part of the reason why the Tigers took first place in the American League Central during the final day of the first half.
Earlier Sunday, Cleveland lost to Toronto and Detroit moved a half-game in front of the Indians with a 49-43 first-half record.
Jeff Francis (3-10) had one of his better starts of the season but still suffered the loss, allowing two runs on four hits. He also struck out a season-high six batters for the Royals, who are 11 1/2 games behind Detroit in the AL Central cellar.