Edwin Jackson pitched 6 1/3 strong innings in his first game with Detroit in 10 seasons as the host Tigers defeated the Kansas City Royals 5-2 on Friday.

Jackson (2-5) gave up one run and four hits, striking out four and walking two. The right-hander signed with the Tigers after being released by the Toronto Blue Jays last month. Jackson, who has pitched for 13 teams, including two stints with the Washington Nationals and now the Tigers, spent a full season with Detroit in 2009, going 13-9 in an All-Star season.

Dawel Lugo had three hits and drove in two runs for the Tigers, who won back-to-back games for the first time since a three-game winning streak in late May. Jake Rogers smacked a solo homer, while Miguel Cabrera reached base three times, scored a run and knocked in another.

Jordy Mercer added two hits and scored a run. Niko Goodrum reached base twice and scored both times.

Nick Ramirez tossed 1 2/3 innings of scoreless relief, and Joe Jimenez got the final out for his first save this season.

Whit Merrifield hit his second inside-the-park homer of the season, and Jorge Soler supplied his 32nd homer for the Royals. Bubba Starling added two hits. Royals starter Brad Keller (7-12) gave up five runs on 10 hits and struck out six in six innings.

Merrifield provided some early excitement with his inside-the-park homer to center in the first inning. The deep shot bounced away from center fielder Victor Reyes as Merrifield circled the bases.

Detroit took the lead in the bottom of the inning. Walks to Goodrum and Cabrera and a wild pitch put runners in scoring position. Lugo then blooped a single to right-center field, bringing in two runs.

The Tigers made it 3-1 in the fifth. Goodrum led off with a triple to right-center and scored when Cabrera smacked a single to left.

Detroit scored two more runs in the sixth. Rogers hit his third career homer into the left-field seats. Mercer and Reyes followed with singles, and Mercer scored on a wild pitch by Keller.

Soler homered in the ninth off John Schreiber, who was making his major league debut.

--Field Level Media