Tigers starter Matt Boyd gave up two runs before recording an out Monday in Kansas City. His mound opponent was Johnny Cueto.
Game, set, match.
Boyd recovered to allow three runs on nine hits in 5 1/3 innings, but he was destined from the start to take his third loss in four decisions. He walked one and struck out six.
The left-hander was doomed when he surrendered two singles and two-run double to Lorenzo Cain to start the game. A Kendrys Morales single made it 3-0 later in the inning. Boyd retired the Royals in order only once, but managed to keep them off the board thereafter.
"Mainly I was trying to locate down," Boyd told MLB.com about the ill-fated first. "I just threw them down the middle."
Boyd has just one quality start in four outings and is saddled with a 7.11 ERA.