SPORTS

Royals 12, Tigers 9

Tigers manager Brad Ausmus heads out to the mound to take starting pitcher Matt Boyd out of the game in the first inning of the Tigers 12-9 loss to the Royals on Sept. 25, 2016.
Tigers manager Brad Ausmus heads out to the mound to take starting pitcher Matt Boyd out of the game in the first inning of the Tigers 12-9 loss to the Royals on Sept. 25, 2016.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Tigers pitcher Matt Boyd works in the first inning. Boyd did not finish the first inning and did not record an out.
Tigers pitcher Matt Boyd works in the first inning. Boyd did not finish the first inning and did not record an out.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Tigers pitcher Matt Boyd heads to the dugout in the first inning. In the stat books, Boyd did pitch no innings but he faced five batters and allowed four earned runs.
Tigers pitcher Matt Boyd heads to the dugout in the first inning. In the stat books, Boyd did pitch no innings but he faced five batters and allowed four earned runs.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Fans and Tigers' Justin Upton watch a home run ball off the bat of Royals' Salvador Perez bounce out of the bullpen in the first inning to make it 4-0 Royals.
Fans and Tigers' Justin Upton watch a home run ball off the bat of Royals' Salvador Perez bounce out of the bullpen in the first inning to make it 4-0 Royals.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Royals' Alex Gordon, right, congratulates Salvador Perez and Kendrys Morales after Perez's two-run home run in the first inning.
Royals' Alex Gordon, right, congratulates Salvador Perez and Kendrys Morales after Perez's two-run home run in the first inning.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Tigers pitcher Matt Boyd in the dugout in the first inning. Detroit Tigers vs Kansas City Royals at Comerica Park in Detroit on Sept. 25, 2016.
(Robin Buckson / Detroit News)
Tigers pitcher Matt Boyd in the dugout in the first inning. Detroit Tigers vs Kansas City Royals at Comerica Park in Detroit on Sept. 25, 2016. (Robin Buckson / Detroit News)
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Tigers pitcher Blaine Hardy works in the first inning. Hardy pitched one inning with one walk.
Tigers pitcher Blaine Hardy works in the first inning. Hardy pitched one inning with one walk.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera catches a pop out off the bay of Royals' Cheslor Cuthbert in the first inning.
Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera catches a pop out off the bay of Royals' Cheslor Cuthbert in the first inning.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Royals pitcher Edinson Volquez works in the second inning. Volquez pitched two and 2/3 innings allowing six hits with four earned runs, four walks and one strikeout.
Royals pitcher Edinson Volquez works in the second inning. Volquez pitched two and 2/3 innings allowing six hits with four earned runs, four walks and one strikeout.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Tigers pitcher Anibal Sanchez works in the third inning. Sanchez pitched two innings allowing four hits with three earned runs and three strikeouts.
Tigers pitcher Anibal Sanchez works in the third inning. Sanchez pitched two innings allowing four hits with three earned runs and three strikeouts.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Tigers pitcher Anibal Sanchez waits while Royals' Cheslor Cuthbert rounds the bases on his two-run home run in the third inning to make it 6-0 Royals.
Tigers pitcher Anibal Sanchez waits while Royals' Cheslor Cuthbert rounds the bases on his two-run home run in the third inning to make it 6-0 Royals.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez hits a grand slam in the third inning to make it 7-4 Royals.
Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez hits a grand slam in the third inning to make it 7-4 Royals.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez reacts going into the dugout after his grand slam in the third inning to make it 7-4 Royals.
Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez reacts going into the dugout after his grand slam in the third inning to make it 7-4 Royals.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Tigers' Miguel Cabrera congratulates designated hitter Victor Martinez, left, after Martinez's grand slam in the third inning to make it 7-4 Royals.
Tigers' Miguel Cabrera congratulates designated hitter Victor Martinez, left, after Martinez's grand slam in the third inning to make it 7-4 Royals.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez reacts after his grand slam in the third inning to make it 7-4 Royals.
Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez reacts after his grand slam in the third inning to make it 7-4 Royals.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez reacts with the crowd after his grand slam in the third inning to make it 7-4 Royals.
Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez reacts with the crowd after his grand slam in the third inning to make it 7-4 Royals.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Tigers' J.D. Martinez slides into second on his double in the third inning. Martinez went 1-for-3.
Tigers' J.D. Martinez slides into second on his double in the third inning. Martinez went 1-for-3.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
With bases loaded, Andrew Romine bunts for the final out in the third inning Sunday.
With bases loaded, Andrew Romine bunts for the final out in the third inning Sunday.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Royals pitcher Peter Moylan shuffles the ball from his glove to home for the out on Tigers' Andrew Romine to end the third inning.
Royals pitcher Peter Moylan shuffles the ball from his glove to home for the out on Tigers' Andrew Romine to end the third inning.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Tigers pitcher Shane Greene works in the fourth inning.
Tigers pitcher Shane Greene works in the fourth inning.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Royals' Kendrys Morales heads home to score on a double by Alex Gordon to make it 9-4 Royals in the fourth inning.
Royals' Kendrys Morales heads home to score on a double by Alex Gordon to make it 9-4 Royals in the fourth inning.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Tigers pitching coach Rich Dubee comes out to talk with Shane Greene, left, after the Royals add on a couple more runs in the fourth inning.
Tigers pitching coach Rich Dubee comes out to talk with Shane Greene, left, after the Royals add on a couple more runs in the fourth inning.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Tigers' Ian Kinsler slams his bat on the dirt after he flies out in the fourth inning. Kinsler went went 3-for-6.
Tigers' Ian Kinsler slams his bat on the dirt after he flies out in the fourth inning. Kinsler went went 3-for-6.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Tigers' Cameron Maybin triples in the fourth inning. Maybin went 4-for-6.
Tigers' Cameron Maybin triples in the fourth inning. Maybin went 4-for-6.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Tigers' Cameron Maybin heads for third on his triple in the fourth inning.
Tigers' Cameron Maybin heads for third on his triple in the fourth inning.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Tigers' Miguel Cabrera grounds out and scores Cameron Maybin to make it 9-5 Royals in the fourth inning. Cabrera went 1-for-5.
Tigers' Miguel Cabrera grounds out and scores Cameron Maybin to make it 9-5 Royals in the fourth inning. Cabrera went 1-for-5.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Tigers pitcher Mike Pelfrey works in the fifth inning. Pelfrey pitched two innings allowing three hits with two earned runs and three strikeouts.
Tigers pitcher Mike Pelfrey works in the fifth inning. Pelfrey pitched two innings allowing three hits with two earned runs and three strikeouts.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Royals catcher Salvador Perez has 'RIP J.F.16' written on his chest protector, in memory of Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez who died in a boating accident.
Royals catcher Salvador Perez has 'RIP J.F.16' written on his chest protector, in memory of Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez who died in a boating accident.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Tigers pitcher Mike Pelfrey watches Royals' Alex Gordon's home run ball in the sixth inning to make the score 11-6 Royals.
Tigers pitcher Mike Pelfrey watches Royals' Alex Gordon's home run ball in the sixth inning to make the score 11-6 Royals.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Royals' Paulo Orlando congratulates Ben Gordon after Gordon scores him on his two-run home run in the sixth inning to make it 11-5 Royals.
Royals' Paulo Orlando congratulates Ben Gordon after Gordon scores him on his two-run home run in the sixth inning to make it 11-5 Royals.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Tigers' Miguel Cabrera singles in the sixth inning. Cabrera went 1-for-5.
Tigers' Miguel Cabrera singles in the sixth inning. Cabrera went 1-for-5.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
The Mets offered outfielder Michael Conforto in exchange for Tigers outfielder J.D. Martinez, but pulled the deal off the table, GM Al Avila says.
The Mets offered outfielder Michael Conforto in exchange for Tigers outfielder J.D. Martinez, but pulled the deal off the table, GM Al Avila says.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
With bases loaded, Royals second baseman Raul Mondesi, left, avoids a collision with right fielder Paulo Orlando and catches a pop up by Tigers' J.D. Martinez to end the sixth inning.
With bases loaded, Royals second baseman Raul Mondesi, left, avoids a collision with right fielder Paulo Orlando and catches a pop up by Tigers' J.D. Martinez to end the sixth inning.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Tigers' Erick Aybar congratulates Justin Upton after Upton's solo home run in the seventh inning to make it 11-7 Royals.
Tigers' Erick Aybar congratulates Justin Upton after Upton's solo home run in the seventh inning to make it 11-7 Royals.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Justin Upton blasted 18 home runs in the team's final 38 games while batting .309 with a .765 slugging percentage.
Justin Upton blasted 18 home runs in the team's final 38 games while batting .309 with a .765 slugging percentage.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Royals pitcher and former Tiger Joaqim Soria works in the seventh inning.
Royals pitcher and former Tiger Joaqim Soria works in the seventh inning.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Tigers' Ian Kinsler talks with home plate umpire Dan Iassongna after a called strike in the seventh inning.
Tigers' Ian Kinsler talks with home plate umpire Dan Iassongna after a called strike in the seventh inning.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Tigers pitcher Jordan Zimmermann works in the eighth inning. Zimmermann pitched three innings allowing four hits with one earned run.
Tigers pitcher Jordan Zimmermann works in the eighth inning. Zimmermann pitched three innings allowing four hits with one earned run.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Tigers' Ian Kinsler sits in the dugout in the eighth inning.
Tigers' Ian Kinsler sits in the dugout in the eighth inning.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Tigers' J.D. Martinez hits a sacrifice fly to score Cameron Maybin in the eighth inning to make it 11-8 Royals.
Tigers' J.D. Martinez hits a sacrifice fly to score Cameron Maybin in the eighth inning to make it 11-8 Royals.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Tigers' J.D. Martinez is congratulated after his sacrifice fly scores Cameron Maybin in the eighth inning to make it 11-8 Royals.
Tigers' J.D. Martinez is congratulated after his sacrifice fly scores Cameron Maybin in the eighth inning to make it 11-8 Royals.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Tigers' Justin Upton doubles in the eighth inning, moving Victor Martinez to third base.
Tigers' Justin Upton doubles in the eighth inning, moving Victor Martinez to third base.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Tigers' Victor Martinez heads to third on a double by Justin Upton in the eighth inning.
Tigers' Victor Martinez heads to third on a double by Justin Upton in the eighth inning.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Tigers' Victor Martinez is congratulated after he scores on a wild pitch in the eighth inning.
Tigers' Victor Martinez is congratulated after he scores on a wild pitch in the eighth inning.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Tigers pitching coach Rich Dubee, left, talks with pitcher Jordan Zimmermann in the bottom of the eighth inning. Detroit Tigers vs Kansas City Royals at Comerica Park in Detroit on Sept. 25, 2016. Royals win, 12-9.
(Robin Buckson / Detroit News)
Tigers pitching coach Rich Dubee, left, talks with pitcher Jordan Zimmermann in the bottom of the eighth inning. Detroit Tigers vs Kansas City Royals at Comerica Park in Detroit on Sept. 25, 2016. Royals win, 12-9. (Robin Buckson / Detroit News)
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Tigers' Miguel Cabrera throws some dirt after a sharp ground ball off the bat of Royals' Raul Mondesi gets past him to score a run in the ninth inning to make it 12-9 Royals.
Tigers' Miguel Cabrera throws some dirt after a sharp ground ball off the bat of Royals' Raul Mondesi gets past him to score a run in the ninth inning to make it 12-9 Royals.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Tigers' Miguel Cabrera sits for a moment after a sharp ground ball off the bat of Royals' Raul Mondesi gets past him to score a run in the ninth inning to make it 12-9 Royals.
Tigers' Miguel Cabrera sits for a moment after a sharp ground ball off the bat of Royals' Raul Mondesi gets past him to score a run in the ninth inning to make it 12-9 Royals.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Tigers pinch hitter Jose Iglesias doubles in the ninth inning.
Tigers pinch hitter Jose Iglesias doubles in the ninth inning.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Tigers' Ian Kinsler singles in the ninth inning to put two men on base.
Tigers' Ian Kinsler singles in the ninth inning to put two men on base.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Home plate umpire Dan Iassogna ejects Tigers' Cameron Maybin from the game in the bottom of the ninth inning.
Home plate umpire Dan Iassogna ejects Tigers' Cameron Maybin from the game in the bottom of the ninth inning.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Tigers' Miguel Cabrera hits a line out to end the game.
Tigers' Miguel Cabrera hits a line out to end the game.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News
Tigers including Cameron Maybin, left, and Miguel Cabrera about to exit the dugout after the loss.
Tigers including Cameron Maybin, left, and Miguel Cabrera about to exit the dugout after the loss.
Robin Buckson, Detroit News