KANSAS CITY -- The ace did what an ace does.

When the Tigers needed Tarik Skubal on Sunday to help them take an even more commanding position in their bid for an American League Central title, Skubal came through in grand and convincing fashion. The reigning AL Cy Young Award winner threw seven scoreless innings as Detroit knocked off the Royals, 5-0 , to increase its division lead to 9 1/2 games over Kansas City with one month remaining.

Manager A.J. Hinch woke up Sunday morning knowing that at the end of the day his club would either be up 7 1/2 games or 9 1/2 games over Kansas City. The comforting notion in hoping that the two-game swing would go his way revolved around the fact that Skubal would be taking the mound.

Skubal matched Kansas City right-hander Michael Wacha for fou

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