KANSAS CITY, Mo., July 19 (UPI) -- Ervin Santana combined with two relievers on a two-hitter Friday that brought Kansas City a 1-0 victory over Detroit.
Billy Butler singled in the only run of the contest in the first inning and the Royals then rode its outstanding pitching to snap a five-game losing streak.
Santana (6-6) retired the first 10 men he faced before giving up a single to Torii Hunter in the fourth. Detroit's only other hit was a two-out single by Andy Dirks in the fifth.
Kelvin Herrera relieved Santana after the Detroit starter walked a batter with one out in the eighth. Greg Holland worked a perfect ninth for his 23rd save.
Alex Gordon singled to open the Kansas City first off Anibal Sanchez (7-7), stole second and scored on Butler's base hit.
