Craig Dingman (2-2) got the final four outs to help the Tigers avoid a three-game sweep. Detroit had lost 11 of 13.
Juan Rincon (6-5) entered in the eighth and gave up three singles and a walk.
Minnesota's Johan Santana, who was scheduled to pitch, had his start pushed back to Saturday because of a blister on his middle finger.
Royals 10, White Sox 9
In Kansas City, Missouri, Angel Berroa's double in the ninth inning drove in the tying run, and right fielder Jermaine Dye's error allowed Mark Teahen to score the game-winner for Kansas City.
Chicago lost for the fourth time in 17 games against Kansas City this season, and had its AL Central lead cut to five games over Cleveland.
The Royals scored three runs in the ninth against Dustin Hermanson (1-4), who blew his fourth save in 38 chances, to snap a 104-game losing streak when trailing after eight innings. Matt Stairs started the rally with a one-out single. Emil Brown and Teahen followed with consecutive singles to score one run. Berroa doubled to right to tie it, and Teahen scored when Dye had trouble picking up the ball.
Chris Demaria (1-0) pitched a scoreless ninth for his first career victory.
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