Avila's two homeruns help Tigers defeat Kansas City, 3-2

Alex Avila's two homeruns helped the Detroit Tigers earn a hard-fought 3-2 win against the Kansas City Royals. Avila also had a two-run shot in the 2nd inning.

Max Scherzer was denied his 20th win again after pitching seven innings, allowing a run and five hits while striking out 12. Drew Smyly (6-0) pitched the 8th inning to pick up the win, while closer Joaquin Benoit pitched a scoreless 9th inning for his 20th save.

With Detroit's magic number now down to 9 in the AL Central Division, despite Cleveland's 7-1 win over the Chicago White Sox, the Tigers will look to bring that number down even more when they play Seattle in a 4-game series, starting this Monday night at 7 pm inside Comerica Park.


MAGIC NUMBERS AROUND THE LEAGUE

AL EAST - Boston down to 4 after defeating the N.Y. Yankees & Tampa Bay losing to Minnesota
NL EAST - Atlanta remains at 4 after being shut out by San Diego & Washington defeating Philadelphia
NL WEST - L.A. Dodgers remain at 4 after losing to San Francisco & Arizona defeating Colorado
AL WEST - Oakland down to 8 after defeating Texas, 5-1
NL CENTRAL - Pittsburgh & St. Louis remain tied for 1st, following wins