Kansas City, Mo. ? Luke Hochevar is finally beginning to demonstrate why the Kansas City Royals selected him first overall in the 2006 draft.

Hochevar pitched six strong innings, and Joey Gathright drove in the only runs, helping the Kansas City Royals beat the Detroit Tigers, 2-0, on Wednesday night and hand Justin Verlander his American League-leading seventh loss.

Hochevar (3-2) limited the Tigers to four singles while striking out five and walking three. He lowered his earned-run average to 3.94 in five starts since being called up from Triple-A Omaha on April 20.

“I’m learning a lot,” said the 24-year-old right-hander. “I learned a lot tonight and saw a lot of things that will help me in my next start. You learn how to win in the big leagues. I’m surrounded with a lot of winners. I know every guy on the team is a winner.

“A lot of it is sitting back and watching a lot of these guys do what they do really well. I learn a lot from just watching these guys compete and play hard and do the little things. Every time out I’m feeling more and more comfortable.”

Relievers Ron Mahay, Leo Nunez and Joakim Soria completed the shutout, holding the Tigers to two hits over the final three innings. Soria picked up his 10th save in as many chances with a perfect ninth, and has not allowed a run in 161â3 innings in 17 appearances this season. He’s allowed just four hits while striking out 18 and walking one.

“I’m happy to hand the ball over to anybody in the bullpen and know they are going to do a quality job,” Hochevar said.

It hasn’t been just about the bullpen, though. Hochevar already sounds like a veteran, giving thanks for the reliable defense provided by the guys backing him up.

“That’s such a big thing that people don’t look at,” he said. “When I take the mound, I know we have a great defense and it takes a lot of pressure off of you. I’m just trying to induce contact because I know they are going to make good plays. It makes my job a lot easier.”

Verlander (1-7) lost for the first time in 10 career starts against the Royals. He had been 6-0 with a 2.65 ERA against Kansas City and put in another solid performance, leaving after six-plus innings. Verlander allowed just two runs on six hits – five of them singles – with three walks and three strikeouts.