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Tigers try to end four-game skid vs. struggling Royals

Aug 29, 2008 - 10:38 AM Kansas City (56-77) at Detroit (64-69), 7:05 pm EDT

DETROIT (Ticker) -- The Detroit Tigers hope to snap a four-game losing streak when they kick off a seven-game homestand against the Kansas City Royals on Friday.

Expected to compete for a title after the acquisition of Miguel Cabrera in the offseason, the Tigers have struggled through most of the campaign. Detroit was just swept by the Cleveland Indians and has posted a 9-16 record this month.

Zach Miner (7-4, 3.61 ERA) will hope for a repeat performance of his last start when the Tigers defeated Kyle Davies and the Royals, 4-0, on Saturday.

Miner, who is 4-1 since his stint with Class AAA Toledo in July, pitched seven outstanding innings in that contest - Detroit's last win. The righthander gave up three hits and a walk with three strikeouts.

Kansas City is hoping Davies (5-5, 4.81) can help it avoid a fourth straight loss. The 24-year-old righthander, who has lost each of his last three starts, gave up four runs over six frames in his head-to-head showdown with Miner.

A dropped pop-up cost the Royals on Wednesday as they suffered a 3-2 setback to the Texas Rangers.

With the game tied at 2-2, Kansas City starter Brian Bannister dropped Joaquin Arias' two-out pop-up in the seventh inning, allowing Jarrod Saltalamacchia to score from second base.