Detroit ? Playoff-bound Detroit missed a chance to clinch the AL Central when David DeJesus hit a two-run triple in Kansas City’s seven-run first inning, leading the Royals to a 9-6 victory over the Tigers on Saturday night.

Detroit would have clinched the division with a win after the Chicago White Sox beat the Minnesota Twins, 6-3, earlier in the day, cutting the Tigers’ magic number to one.

Following a 11â2-hour rain delay at the start, Kansas City sent 12 batters to the plate in the first inning.

Joey Gathright opened the game with a double and advanced to third when Esteban German singled to cap a 10-pitch at-bat. DeJesus hit the first of his two triples in the game for a 2-0 lead and Mike Sweeney followed with a two-run homer, giving the Royals a cycle with the first four batters.

The boos from the sellout crowd turned to cheers when Tigers manager Jim Leyland pulled starter Zach Miner (7-6).