The Royals have defeated the Tigers in all five meetings and pinned a fourth straight loss on Detroit starter Justin Verlander.

Hochevar gave up four hits over six innings and was followed to the mound by Ron Mahay, Leo Nunez and Joakim Soria, who pitched a perfect ninth for his 10th save.

Soria has not allowed an earned run in 16 1/3 innings this year.

Both of Kansas City's runs were driven in by Joey Gathright on a second-inning single.

Verlander (1-7) allowed six hits in six-plus innings. It was Detroit's ninth loss in 11 games.