MLB: Detroit 3, Kansas City 1

French (1-0) outdueled Kansas City ace Zack Greinke, who continued to have minor struggles in what was his final start before the All-Star break.

In only his second start in the majors, French allowed six hits and walked one before turning things over to the bullpen. Fernando Rodney worked a perfect ninth for his 19th save.

Greinke (10-5) gave up three runs on seven hits in six innings. He struck out nine. After being almost untouchable early in the campaign, Greinke has gone 2-4 in his last eight starts.

Detroit scored all of its runs over the first two innings. Marcus Thames drove in a run with a ground out in the first and Clete Thomas had an RBI single later in the inning. Ramon Santiago delivered a sacrifice fly in the second.

Kansas City's run came on a homer by Alberto Callaspo in the seventh. The Royals lost for the sixth time in nine games.

Copyright 2009 by United Press International.