KANSAS CITY, Mo. — — Carlos Santana belted a two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Kansas City Royals a 3-2 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Sunday.
Kansas City was held to three hits until the ninth, when Whit Merrifield led off with an infield single before Santana connected against Michael Fulmer (3-3) for the walk-off win.
Kyle Zimmer (3-0) struck out three in two hitless innings for the win.
Kris Bubic allowed six hits in five innings with three strikeouts and three walks. Royals relievers Tyler Zuber, Scott Barlow and Zimmer held the Tigers scoreless.
Royals manager Mike Matheny was ejected for the second time this season for arguing in the sixth.
Kansas City opens a six-game road trip against Tampa Bay on Tuesday. Brad Keller (3-4, 6.52) makes his 10th start of the season.
3B Hunter Dozier went 1 for 5 with an RBI double in his first game of a rehab assignment with Triple-A Omaha. Dozier went on the seven-day injured list May 14 with a concussion following a collision with José Abreu in Chicago.