DETROIT, Sept. 24 (UPI) -- A three-run triple by Mitch Maier finished off a seven-run fifth inning Wednesday, helping Kansas City down Detroit 10-4.
The Tigers, who were a popular pick to win the American League Central title this season, lost their sixth straight. Detroit is in last place in the division with four games to play, two games behind Kansas City.
Brian Bannister (9-16) got the win by pitching six shutout innings. He walked one and struck out four.
Detroit had a 2-0 lead entering the fifth, which Maier began with a single off Nate Robertson (7-11).
One out later, Esteban German drew a walk and Mike Aviles singled to load the bases. A fielder's choice grounder by Jose Guillen allowed Maier to score and Ryan Shealy walked to again load the bases.
A single by Alex Gordon drove in one run and Robertson then walked John Buck to force in another. Chris Lambert relieved Robertson and walked Tony Pena to bring home another score.
That brought up Maier for the second time in the inning and he cleared the bases with a triple to right.
