Those who stayed for all nine innings got their money's worth. They didn't leave Comerica Park after watching a win, but they got their money's worth.
The Tigers trailed 9-3 entering the final inning, but managed to get the game-winning run to the plate with two outs after five singles, capped by Gerald Laird's surprise bunt single. Detroit came as close as 9-6 when Royals third baseman Wilson Betemit mishandled a ball off the bat off Johnny Damon, but Ryan Raburn could not capitalize further.
But you can't say too much bad about Raburn. He had a home run, an assist and pretty solid day in left field overall. Miguel Cabrera also hit a home run, as the pair went back-to-back to give the Tiger a 3-0 lead in the fourth.
The real issue for the day was the pitching, especially that of Armando Galarraga, who may not feel 100 percent and required a visit from trainer Kevin Rand earlier in the game. Manager Jim Leyland left him in when again and again he showed signs of struggle. End result: five runs on nine hits and five walks, in 5 1/3 innings.
He wasn't the only pitcher to struggle. Alfredo Figaro did himself no favors with two runs allowed in 1 2/3 innings, and Eddie Bonine gave up a pair of runs himself in just one inning.
In other notes: Scott Sizemore made his third start since being recalled, going 1-for-2, and Will Rhymes pinch hit for him and went 1-for-1. Brandon Inge rapped a pair of hits, and avoided coming any closer to the Tigers' career strikeouts record. He's still six away, for those counting. (And many seem to be counting).
The teams finish the season series, which is now tied 9-9, Wednesday at 7 p.m.