Tigers battle back, but drop 1 1/2 out of WC

DETROIT — A day after the Royals slowed the Tigers’ playoff pursuit with a five-run rally in the ninth, they did their damage at the start, putting up a four-run opening inning Sunday and adding on from there before withstanding a furious Tigers comeback attempt for a 12-9 win at Comerica Park.

The Tigers’ second straight loss dropped them 1 1/2 games behind the Orioles for the second American League Wild Card spot.

While the Tigers might have put Saturday’s ninth behind them, the Royals’ offense picked up where it left off. Kansas City’s first four batters combined to hit for the cycle — including a Salvador Perez two-run homer — off Detroit starter Matt Boyd, who left after five batters and no outs. Back-to-back homers from Cheslor Cuthbert and Raul Mondesi built a touchdown-sized lead before Victor Martinez’s grand slam closed the gap.

Once Cameron Maybin and J.D. Martinez singled and scored in the eighth, the Tigers had the potential tying run at the plate for the third time in six innings. They did it again in the ninth off closer Wade Davis. Each time, the Royals answered, culminating in Davis’ 26th save.

The Royals’ magic number to be eliminated from the postseason dropped to 1 when the Orioles beat the D-backs.

MOMENTS THAT MATTEREDEarly cycle: The Royals started the game by hitting for the cycle with their first four hitters: A Billy Burns single, a Whit Merrifield triple, a Kendrys Morales double and the Perez homer. The Perez homer was his 22nd, establishing a new career high. Merrifield also had a single and double. Starting the game with a cycle from the …

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