DETROIT _ The Detroit Tigers sent Victor Martinez out with a win.
It was Martinez's night at Comerica Park, the last game of his major league career, and he finished it with a hit: Martinez's infield single in the bottom of the first inning was hit No. 2,153 of his career. He walked off the field to a standing ovation afterwards.
Martinez was replaced by pinch-runner Ronny Rodriguez, who scored the first run in the Tigers' 5-4 win over the Royals (53-102) on Saturday.
Mikie Mahtook hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth for the victory.
Jordan Zimmermann earned the win with seven strong innings. Zimmermann allowed two runs on three hits.
Niko Goodrum returned to the lineup and went 3-for-4 with two RBIs. He hit an RBI single in the first inning and a ground-rule double to score another run in the third.
With the win, the Tigers are 63-92, which guarantees they will not lose 100 games this season, as many expected.
The Tigers staged a nice ceremony for Martinez before the game, presenting him with a number of gifts, none of which will get more usage than personalized cowboy boots and a horse saddle. Martinez fought back tears during the majority of the ceremony. He started at first base for the first time this season, and exited the game after his infield single in his first at-bat. Martinez received a standing ovation and saluted Tigers fans. He finishes his career as a .295 hitter.
