Kansas City, MO – With the home stands in their rearview mirror, the Tigers now turn their focus to the KC Royals. With Chicago being hot, it is imperative that the Tigers sweep the Royals going into the weekend. The Tigers must produce good pitching, and good hitting out of the entire line-up. Here is a look at the Royals at a glance. The Royals are just like their counterparts in Cleveland and Minnesota, they have nothing to play for, except they can be a spoiler to the Tigers’ dreams. Now is the time when two-out-of-three is not good. The Tigers must sweep the lowly Royals, otherwise that could send a message to the White Sox that the Tigers are ready to hibernate for the winter. The key is what the Tigers did with their day off and what they do in batting practice today. They have to look at Kansas City as a business trip. Even though they are at home this weekend with the White Sox, who are in no way like the Royals, Twins, or Indians, the Tigers must carry the momentum that they gained from their 6-3 record from their homestand into Kansas City starting tonight. Verlander looks to return to his Cy Young winning form from a year ago when he looks to crown the Royals in game one. Verlander must carry the momentum from “Mad Max’s” performance on Sunday. His last start was a nine inning no decision, even though the Tigers did earn a 3-2 win.

Current Standings: Tigers 69-58, White Sox 71-56