Royals turn Detroit error into 3-2 victory

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Both teams could point to loads of missed opportunities. The Royals mustered 12 hits, including three from Grudzielanek, but were just two for 10 with runners in scoring position.

The Tigers were one for seven with runners in scoring position and had Greinke on the ropes in the sixth by loading the bases with two singles and a walk. Ironically, Grudzielanek chose not to make a throw after keeping Renteria’s two-out single from reaching the outfield.

“I just ate it,” Grudzielanek said. “I didn’t want to throw it anywhere. I didn’t force anything. Greinke is throwing well. Give him the ball, and he’ll get the third out.”

Greinke escaped the bases-loaded jam by overpowering Pudge Rodriguez with three straight 95-mph fastballs for a strikeout.

“Pudge has always hit me well,” Greinke said, “but I made three really good pitches. I knew that might decide the game. I threw all three as hard as I could and, luckily, they all went where they needed to be.

“A lot of times, it doesn’t go that way.”

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To reach Bob Dutton, send email to bdutton@kcstar.com.