KANSAS CITY— Right-hander Justin Verlander threw 6 2/3 innings of strong ball, giving up just two earned runs, and Ian Kinsler pounded a two-run homer as the Tigers held off the Royals for a 6-5 win on Tuesday night at Kauffman Stadium.

The Royals’ lead in the American League Central was cut to 12 games with Minnesota’s win over the White Sox.

Verlander gave up seven hits, walked one and struck out four.

“It wasn’t spectacular,” Verlander said, “but it was nice to go out there and get a win for the team.”

Right-hander Johnny Cueto had his third straight wobbly start, giving up nine hits and four runs through six innings. Kendrys Morales homered for the and Alex Gordon had two hits and an RBI in his return from the disabled list for Royals.

Said Cueto of his three-game slide, “[Slumps are] obviously part of the game. Every player has a streak like this. I’m not concerned because I’m well aware it’s going to turn around and I’m going to help this club do what it needs to do.

“I know [the slump] isn’t going to last long. It’s just a bad streak. I feel good. My command has been off and on.”