Michael Fulmer came within one out of a shutout, and the Detroit Tigers hit three home runs in a 7-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Thursday.
Justin Upton, Ian Kinsler and Andrew Romine went deep for the Tigers. Fulmer (7-6) appeared headed for his second big league shutout, but Ramon Torres and Jorge Bonifacio singled with two out in the ninth, then Drew Butera drove them in with a double. Upton dropped Eric Hosmer’s soft liner to left field for an error, allowing another run to come in.
The crowd booed when manager Brad Ausmus pulled Fulmer after 104 pitches.
Jakob Junis (2-2) allowed a three-run homer to Upton in the first, as well as a solo shot by Kinsler in the third and a two-run drive by Romine in the fourth.
Fulmer retired the first nine Kansas City hitters, and the reigning AL Rookie of the Year faced only one batter above the minimum through eight innings. He ended up allowing seven hits, with seven strikeouts and no walks.
