AL-Central leading Royals beat Tigers 3-2, complete sweep

Jarrod Dyson doubled and scored the go-ahead run in the fifth inning and the Kansas City Royals held on to beat the Detroit Tigers 3-2 on Monday, completing a four-game sweep on the road for the first time in nearly 22 years.

The AL Central-leading Royals (14-7) have won a season-high five straight and own the best record in the league.

Detroit (7-16) has the worst record in the majors after losing 10 of its last 11 games and is off to its worst start since 2003.

Kansas City Royals' Carlos Santana, right, celebrates with second baseman Nicky Lopez after hitting a two-run home run against the Detroit Tigers during the third inning of a baseball game Monday, April 26, 2021, in Detroit. (AP PhotoDuane Burleson)

Kansas City starter Brad Keller (2-2) gave up two runs and eight hits over six innings. Scott Barlow and Greg Holland followed, each throwing a scoreless inning. Josh Staumont pitched the ninth for his second save in as many chances.

Spencer Turnbull (1-1) gave up three runs on five hits and no walks while striking out five. Detroit relievers combined to throw three innings of scoreless relief, but its hitters failed to take advantage of chances to extend or win the game, leaving 11 runners on base.

In the third inning, the Royals took a 2-0 lead on Carlos Santana's fifth homer of the season.

Detroit Tigers' Miguel Cabrera singles to drive in Robbie Grossman during the third inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals on Monday, April 26, 2021, in Detroit. (AP PhotoDuane Burleson)

Cabrera's RBI in the third and Grayson Greiner's single in the fourth inning pulled Detroit into a tie.

Dyson scored the game-winning run after doubling, advancing on a bunt and coming home on Whit Merrifield's sacrifice fly.

RARE ROADIE

Kansas City Royals' Brad Keller pitches against the Detroit Tigers during the first inning of a baseball game Monday, April 26, 2021, in Detroit. (AP PhotoDuane Burleson)

The last time Kansas City had a four-game sweep on the road was at Minnesota in May 1999.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Kansas City catcher Salvador Perez was taken out of the game with an injured right thumb after tagging Cabrera out on a play at the plate in the third inning. Perez played in his 1,000th game, becoming the 13th Royal and sixth active catcher to reach the milestone.

Kansas City Royals' Nicky Lopez triples during the third inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers Monday, April 26, 2021, in Detroit. (AP PhotoDuane Burleson)

ON THE MOVE

Detroit IF Renato Núñez, designated for assignment last week, cleared waivers and was outrighted to the team’s alternate site in Toledo, Ohio.

UP NEXT

The Royals stay on the road, starting RHP Jakob Junis (1-0) when they face Pittsburgh Pirates LHP Tyler Anderson (2-2) on Tuesday night.

Kansas City Royals' Carlos Santana hits a two-run home run against the Detroit Tigers during the third inning of a baseball game Monday, April 26, 2021, in Detroit. (AP PhotoDuane Burleson)

Detroit will face the Chicago White Sox and RHP Lucas Giolito (1-1) for the first time this season, hoping RHP José Ureña (0-3) can earn his first win since 2018.

More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sport

Detroit Tigers' Spencer Turnbull reacts after giving up a two-run home run to Kansas City Royals' Carlos Santana during the third inning of a baseball game Monday, April 26, 2021, in Detroit. (AP PhotoDuane Burleson)

Detroit Tigers' Spencer Turnbull pitches against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning of a baseball game Monday, April 26, 2021, in Detroit. (AP PhotoDuane Burleson)

Kansas City Royals' Whit Merrifield (15) waits to bat against the Detroit Tigers during the first inning of a baseball game Monday, April 26, 2021, in Detroit. (AP PhotoDuane Burleson)