Kansas City, Mo. ? Royals manager Ned Yost had a pretty good feeling Sunday when he realized that Brian Bannister was pitching a day game against the Detroit Tigers.

“Historically, he pitches very well in day games. He’s done very well against the Tigers. He’s won every game since I’ve been here, knock on wood,” Yost said.

No need to worry about bad omens.

Bannister won his fifth straight start, behind a three-run homer from Jose Guillen, as Kansas City breezed to a 7-2 victory over the Tigers.

“He never throws anything straight,” Yost said of his pitcher. “His fastball cuts one way, his changeup cuts the other. So it’s very difficult to get a read on as a hitter.”

Bannister (6-3) improved to 20-8 in day games during his career, and he’s 5-2 with a 2.16 ERA in nine starts against the Tigers. He also ended his streak of allowing a home run at nine consecutive games, which was the longest active streak in the majors.

Bannister held Detroit to five hits and one walk while striking out five in 71/3 innings.

“I still would like for Zack (Greinke) and (Luke) Hochevar to get some run support. They don’t need to waste it all on me,” Bannister said. “Zack and Hoch have out-pitched me this year. They deserve more. I’m still trying to catch up.”

Perhaps a few more day games and he’ll be able to do just that.