KANSAS CITY, Mo., Aug. 6 (UPI) -- Justin Verlander earned his 16th win of the season and Victor Martinez went 3-for-4 with two RBI Saturday in Detroit's 4-3 win over Kansas City.
Verlander (16-5), a top contender for the American League Cy Young award, yielded three runs on five hits over seven innings, striking out eight and walking two.
The Tigers' ace improved to 13-2 in his career against Kansas City and tied CC Sabathia of the New York Yankees for the most wins in the major leagues.
Martinez contributed two RBI singles before leaving the game in the eighth inning with a sprained left knee, sustained trying to score on Andy Dirks' grounder to second base.
The first-place Tigers have won five of six overall.
Danny Duffy (3-5) was saddled with the loss for Kansas City, allowing three runs on five hits over five frames.
Jeff Francoeur hit a solo homer for the Royals.
