DETROIT (AP) – Jeff Francoeur homered for his 1,000th career hit and drove in three runs, and the Kansas City Royals outlasted the Detroit Tigers 11-8 Thursday to gain a split of their four-game series with the AL Central frontrunners.

Johnny Giavotella hit a tiebreaking two-run single in the seventh inning against Luis Marte, who was making his major league debut. Eric Hosmer added a solo shot in the eighth. Hosmer also had two singles and two walks.

Francoeur opened the scoring with a two-run homer in the second.

Aaron Crow (4-4) allowed three runs in the sixth, his only inning of work, but was credited with the win after the Royals re-took the lead in the seventh. Phil Coke (2-9) got the loss.

Joakim Soria earned his 25th save.

The Royals return home for a quick three-game series with the Indians starting tonight.