LAKELAND, Fla., March 2 (UPI) -- Jorge Meran hit a game-winning, two-run homer in the bottom of the 11th inning and Nate Cornejo tossed two hitless innings Friday as a split squad of Detroit Tigers posted a 5-3 Grapefruit League victory over the Kansas City Royals.
Meran, a 24-year-old catcher, made the most of his at bat in a rare extra-inning spring game, homering off Brad Voyles. Jose Macias also had a solid game for Detroit, with a single, RBI, two runs scored and stolen base.
Cornejo, one of the Tigers top prospects, retired all six batters he faced. Closer Matt Anderson struggled with his control and allowed two runs in his one inning.
Kansas City starter Paul Byrd surrendered a run and three hits in two innings.
Chuck Knoblauch had a double and an RBI in the leadoff spot for the Royals.
