DETROIT, March 31 (UPI) -- Tony Pena's RBI single in the 11th inning Monday handed the Kansas City Royals a 5-4 victory over the Detroit Tigers in their season-opener.
With Denny Bautista (0-1) in relief, Mark Teahen walked and moved to second on a sacrifice by Ross Gload. He was thrown out by Brandon Inge trying to score from second on a John Buck single. Buck took second on the throw and scored the winning run on Pena's bloop single.
Leo Nunez (1-0) worked scoreless innings in the ninth and 10th to earn the win for the Kansas City, while Soria got a save. Starter Gil Meche went six innings, allowing eight hits and three runs with four walks and five strikeouts.
Gordon hit a two-run homer for the Royals and Miguel Cabrera homered in his debut for the Tigers.
