Streak watch (potential 9th win tonight)

The Royals are on an eight-game winning streak, and they've used it to take over first place. After confusion in Pittsburgh last night in which Justin Verlander pitched 40 pitches in the first followed by not knowing whether he (or Scherzer or Porcello, who also put on helmets) was going to bat in the second, the disarray in Detroit has led them to now be a ½-game behind the Royals in the AL Central.

Next Royals game: at home vs. Athletics (7:10 CT)
Only on local TV: In KC, Fox Sports Kansas City; In OAK, CSN California
Pitching matchup: Jeremy Guthrie (8-9) vs. Jon Lester (12-7)