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Verlander in vintage form as Tigers rout Royals

Justin Verlander's sense of timing is impeccable.

The Detroit Tigers right-hander appeared anything but a pitcher in decline Friday night, hurling 7 1/3 innings of one-run ball against the Kansas City Royals in a 10-1 blowout at Kauffman Stadium. 

Verlander, who entered the outing with a 5.57 ERA across five starts this season against the Royals, struck out four and walked none. The win increased Detroit's lead in the American League Central to 1 1/2 games over Kansas City.

The 2011 Cy Young winner has suffered through his worst season in years, entering Friday's start having allowed at least four runs in five of his last six outings. Even Verlander's much-discussed loss of velocity was up, finishing the sixth inning with fastballs in the mid-to-upper 90s.

It was only Verlander's second start this season of at least seven innings and allowing one run or fewer.

Detroit hammered Royals starter Jason Vargas to the tune of five earned runs on nine hits over 3 1/3 innings, his shortest outing since Apr. 16, 2013.

Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler went 3-for-5 with a homer and double, while Victor Martinez's RBI single in the first inning placed the designated hitter in select company.

Miguel Cabrera, who entered the contest slugging .828 in September, clubbed his AL-leading 49th double of the season. His career high is 50, set in 2006 with the Florida Marlins.

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