KANSAS CITY, Mo., April 16 (UPI) -- Justin Verlander allowed two runs in a complete-game victory Monday, carrying the Detroit Tigers to a 3-2 decision over Kansas City.
Verlander (1-1) earned his first victory of the season in his third start, holding the Royals to seven hits while walking two and striking out nine and lowering his ERA to 2.13.
Kansas City pushed across a run in the ninth on Humberto Quintero's run-scoring single but Verlander, The reigning American League MVP, fanned Alex Gordon with the bases loaded to end the contest.
Brandon Inge launched a two-run homer in fifth inning to break a 1-1 tie and provide all the offense Detroit would need in its third win in four games.
Danny Duffy (1-1) took the loss after yielding three runs on seven hits in a 6 2/3-inning effort for the Royals.
