Tigers 4, Royals 2: Delmon Young hit a tiebreaking two-run homer and host Detroit won its third straight game to reach the .500 mark for the first time since May 15.

Quintin Berry had a two-run triple and rookie lefthander Drew Smyly struck out a season-high 10 in six innings as the Tigers improved to 5-1 against Kansas City this season.

Prince Fielder began the Detroit sixth with a single to center before Young belted a 3-1 pitch from Jonathan Sanchez (1-5) into the left-field seats to give the Tigers a 4-2 lead.

Smyly (4-3) gave up two runs and six hits and didn’t walk anyone. Four Detroit relievers blanked Kansas City on one hit over the final three innings with Jose Valverde working a perfect ninth for his 16th save in 19 opportunities.

Berry’s triple gave Detroit a 2-0 lead in the third. Kansas City tied the contest in the fifth when Brayan Pena smacked a run-scoring double and scored on a single to center by Jason Bourgeois.

Sanchez allowed four runs and six hits in 5 2/3 and failed to win for the 10th consecutive start.

Detroit (42-42) was 18-18 when it last was at .500 seven-plus weeks ago.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Tigers outfielder Austin Jackson went 1-for-5 to extend his hitting streak to a career-best 13 games. … Kansas City SS Alcides Escobar struck out three times in four trips. … Young has three homers in the last eight games after hitting just five over Detroit’s first 68 contests. … Royals All-Star Billy Butler had two hits and is 5-for-6 against Smyly.