Tigers Take KC Series - Finale

Verlander and Tigers Survive Heat and Royals

Ryan Raburn crosses home plate.

The "Real Feel" temperature started at 105° Sunday in KC and by game's end was over 112°.  It was sweltering in Kauffman Stadium.  (Imagine if they still had artificial turf)  Justin Verlander got his 12th win before the All Star break - a record feat which dates back to Jack Morris in 1987 for a Tiger pitcher.

All in all it was actually a good outing for Kansas City - they just came up short again in the runs column.  They out-hit Detroit 7-5 but will still be carrying the league-worst record into the break at 37-54.  The Royals acquisition of Jeff Francis was not a bad move, but he gave up enough to Detroit to keep himself 3-10 for the season.

It was not all pretty.  Verlander had 2 wild pitches and Inge had his 8th error.  It was almost like the Tigers wanted to give up the ghost in this heat, but they hung on as Jose Heartbeat Valverde got his 24th save and they won this series finale 2-1.

Now it's a short vacation for all but the FIVE Tigers* who made the American League All Star roster.

Join us at CUBS' AC for all the festivities and we'll watch the Midsummer Classic Tuesday evening on the big screens.

*That honor of All Star selection goes to Alex Avila - starting catcher, Justin Verlander, Jose Valverde, Jhonny Peralta and Miguel Cabrera.