DETROIT _ Every now and then, the Detroit Tigers are going to run into one.
And Tuesday night, they ran six.
They snapped a five-game losing streak for their first win in the post-Justin Verlander era, smashing the Kansas City Royals, 13-2, at Comerica Park.
The Tigers scored seven runs in the bottom of the second inning as they chased Royals left-hander Jason Vargas early. The second inning began when James McCann was hit by a pitch and it only mushroomed on Vargas from there.
After McCann was hit, John Hicks walked and rookie Jeimer Candelario hit a two-run double. After Alex Presley hit an RBI single, JaCoby Jones hit a two-run home run. After Ian Kinsler singled, Mikie Mahtook hit another two-run home run.
The game was put out of reach early but the Tigers kept padding their lead: They hit six home runs in total. In the fourth, Hicks hit his fifth home run of the season. In the fifth, Jose Iglesias hit his sixth home run of the season. In the seventh, Jones homered for his first career multi-home run games. And in the eighth, Hicks did the same for his first career multi-home run game.
Entering the game, Jones' only home run came on Opening Day against the White Sox.
The blowout win didn't come without attrition: Righty Anibal Sanchez, who was making his first start since being activated from the 10-day disabled list with a left hamstring strain, lasted only five pitches.
He was pulled after getting hit with a comebacker off the bat of Whit Merrifield to lead off the game. Sanchez was diagnosed with a right calf contusion, according to the team. X-ray tests were negative and he is listed as day-to-day.
Even so, the Tigers' procession of relievers _ beginning with righty Myles Jaye, who entered the game in an emergency situation _ pitched well.
In total, six relievers allowed one run on three hits.
