Kendrys pushes toward century mark in RBIs

KANSAS CITY -- Royals designated hitter Kendrys Morales was one of several offensive stars in a 15-7 slugfest win over the Tigers on Thursday night, collecting four hits and four RBIs.

The RBIs pushed Morales' season total to 98, within a breath of 100. The last time Morales had 100-plus RBIs came in 2009 when he had 108 for the Angels.

But Morales, through interpreter Christian Colon, said he is not thinking about the century mark necessarily.

"No, it's all just a credit to my teammates for getting on base," Morales said. "They get on base for me."

Pressed to comment about getting to 100, Morales smiled and said, "There's still time left in the season to get 100 RBIs. And more, hopefully."

Video: DET@KC: K. Morales singles in a pair to cut the lead

Morales got the Royals going with a two-run single down the left-field line in the first inning. That brought the Royals within 3-2.

Morales also singled and scored in the fourth, and he singled and scored in the sixth.

Then came a big moment during the Royals' six-run seventh: Morales came up with the bases loaded and a chance to hit the 100 mark on the head with a grand slam. But his drive to deep left hit off the wall and Morales settled for a two-run double.

"I didn't get my arms extended so I didn't think it was a grand slam," he said. "I hit it really good, but I just didn't get extended."

It seemed as if Morales had broken into his home-run trot. Not the case, he said.

"No, I just thought it was a sacrifice fly," he said. "I thought it was an out."