Vinnie Pasquantino set the tone early for the Kansas City Royals, as his blast in the first inning put the Royals ahead of the Detroit Tigers early, en route to a 7-1 win Thursday night at Comerica Park. The three-run shot off Keider Montero was the first of two home runs Pasquantino hit, as he also touched them all in the eighth. Bobby Witt Jr also belted a home run in the eighth, then doubled in a run in the ninth. Freddy Fermin also collected an RBI in the game for the Royals, while Detroit’s only run came in the fourth off a sacrifice fly by Bligh Madris.

Seth Lugo went eight innings to collect his 13th win of the season, allowing one run, four hits and one walk while recording three punchouts. Will Smith finished the game with two strikeouts and a walk.

Cleveland also won yesterday, and with Minnesota idle, the Royals are now in the second wild card spot as well as second in the AL Central. The Royals’ 61-49 record has them six games behind the Guardians but a half-game ahead of the Twins. Game Two of the four-game series at Detroit is Friday afternoon at 5:40, with pregame on KMMO AM 1300 beginning at 5 p.m.