Tigers 3, Royals 1: Miguel Cabrera breaks out of slump, drives in run

SNAP REACTION: As quickly as we noticed that Miguel Cabrera was in one of the longest slumps of his career, he snapped out of it. Thank goodness.

Cabrera popped out in his first at bat Tuesday, extending his streak to 0-for-22. That was one at bat from tying his career futility mark, set in 2003. After going going to the brink, Cabrera snapped out of it with a single to left in the third inning. In the eighth with the score tied 1-1, Cabrera hit one up the middle to drive in Andy Dirks. Prince Fielder added an insurance run with an RBI single of his own, but the Tigers had all the runs they would need.

Tigers left-handed rookie Drew Smyly made another nice start. He wasn't overpowering, but he got the job done for six innings while allowing just one run. That run came in the third inning thanks in part to a line drive that hit Smyly in the back. He overthrew first base after fielding the ball to allow Alcides Escobar to get to second on the play. Smyly stayed in the game, but allowed a single to Alex Gordon to let the run in. However, Smyly buckled down and made it through another three innings without further mishap. Gutty performance.

Accolades should be given to Joaquin Benoit for a three strikeout performance in the eighth, sandwiched around a triple.

Notable in the game, the 2-3-4 of Brennan Boesch, Cabrera and Fielder each had two hits. Ramon Santiago drove in the game's first run with a sac fly. Ryan Raburn doubled just before that to help set up the opportunity.

Detroit has taken the first two games on the road in KC to improve to 8-3 for the season.

Note: I've got an early morning so no double recap tonight. The snap reaction and regular recap are combined into one for one night only.

3 ROARS

Miguel Cabrera - Broke out of his slump, two hits, game-winning RBI

Drew Smyly - Stayed in the game even after being hit by a line drive. 6 IP, 1 R

Joaquin Benoit - 3 strikeouts in the 8th

3 HISSES

Austin Jackson - 0-for-4, 3 strikeouts

Alex Avila - 0-for-4, strands 3

Everyone who made this game last so long

YESTERDAY'S PLAYER OF THE GAME

Justin Verlander, obviously. He moved into second place with 2 POG wins.