Gage Workman’s first home run of the year was the ultimate game-winner for the Detroit Tigers, who avoided a weekend series sweep by handing the Kansas City Royals a 6-3 loss Sunday, May 10 at Kauffman Stadium.

Workman connected on a one-one pitch from Nick Mears with one out in the sixth inning to round the bases and also score Spencer Torkelson. The home run broke a deadlock that occurred in the fourth when Maikel Garcia singled to tie the game with Jac Caglianone crossing home. KC fell into a hole in the second inning when Hao-Yu Lee tripled to score Wenceel Pérez. Later in the inning Matt Vierling picked up a double that turned into a third base with a fielding error, scoring Lee and Zack Short. The Royals pulled to within one in the third inning with a single from Vinnie Pasquantino and sacrifice fly from Carter Jensen. After retaking the lead, the Tigers added insurance with a Pérez single to score Riley Greene.

Tigers starting pitcher Brenan Hanifee only last 10 pitches before Detroit turned to the bullpen. Emmanuel De Jesus pitched 2.1 innings for the win, recording one strikeout. Drew Anderson was assessed the blown save after giving up all three Royals runs on five hits, with four strikeouts. Kenley Jansen notched his seventh save of the season. Noah Cameron had no decision after allowing three runs on five hits and three walks across four innings, striking out four. The loss went to Mears.

The Royals are now fourth in the AL Central at 19-22, just 1.5 games behind Cleveland for the AL Central lead and a half-game behind the third wild card spot. Monday is an off day as the Royals head to the Southside for a three-game series against the Chicago White Sox. Stephen Kolec is projected to start for the Royals versus Erich Fedde. First pitch Tuesday is at 6:40 p.m., with pregame at 6 p.m. on KMMO-FM 102.9.