Tigers lack for extra bases in opener with KC

KANSAS CITY -- When Alex Avila lined a double into the gap in left-center field to lead off the second inning on Saturday, he not only had the Tigers' first extra-base hit of the night. He had the first extra-base hit of the series, for either side.

Indeed, Friday night's 1-0 loss to the Royals featured all singles and walks. It was the ninth game without an extra-base hit for either side in the Majors this year, and just the second involving two American League teams, according to Bill Chuck.

It was the 10th time since 2000 that the Tigers neither tallied nor allowed an extra-base hit in a game. They had two such games last season, and three during their 119-loss season of 2003. The latter included an 18-single barrage between the Tigers and Orioles on May 1, 2003.