KANSAS CITY, Mo., July 9 (UPI) -- Magglio Ordonez hit a two-run homer in the first Friday and the Detroit Tigers never trailed while scratching out a 6-4 win over Kansas City.
The Tigers won their third straight, limiting the Royals to one run over the final six innings to preserve a victory for Rick Porcello.
Porcello (8-6) gave up three runs, only one of which was earned, on six hits over 5 1/3 innings. This was his fifth start since his last previous victory, which came June 7 against Texas.
Kansas City tied it at 2-2 in the bottom of the first and the Tigers took the lead for good in the second when Jhonny Peralta scored on a fielder's choice grounder by Andy Dirks.
Four pitchers supported Porcello and Jose Valverde escaped the ninth to claim his 23rd save. Valverde walked two in the inning and loaded the bases with two away before getting Billy Butler on a liner to right to end the game.
Kyle Davies (1-8) allowed five runs on nine hits in six innings to suffer the setback. He has lost each of his last six starts.
