(AP) -- Justin Verlander breezed through eight innings and Prince Fielder hit a solo homer, helping the Detroit Tigers steady themselves with a 6-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Monday night.
Detroit entered one game behind the first-place Chicago White Sox in the AL Central after being swept in a doubleheader by Minnesota on Sunday. Verlander (16-8) had little trouble with the Royals, who knocked him around for eight runs and 12 hits last month.
The right-hander allowed two runs and nine hits this time, striking out eight without a walk.
Jose Valverde pitched the ninth.
Luke Hochevar (8-15) yielded six runs - five earned - and 12 hits in 7 1-3 innings.
CAlex Gordon homered for Kansas City.
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