After watching their lineup held in check during a series-opening doubleheader against the Kansas City Royals, the Detroit Tigers' boom-or-bust offense broke out in a 12-4 rout Saturday. Already assured of no worst than a split in the four-game set, the resurgent Tigers go for their sixth win in seven games against the visiting Royals in Sunday's series finale.

Nicholas Castellanos was a triple shy of the cycle and drove in three runs Saturday for Detroit, which has scored at least six runs nine times but has been limited to one run or fewer on six occasions. Shortstop José Iglesias matched Castellanos by going 3-for-5 as the Tigers piled up 16 hits after they were limited to 11 in the doubleheader. The Royals failed in their bid to win back-to-back games for the first time after snapping a nine-game losing streak in the nightcap of Friday's twin bill. Kansas City's bullpen entered the series with a major league-worst 7.94 ERA and showed why by allowing six runs on six hits and six walks in 3 1/3 innings Saturday.

TV: 1:10 p.m. ET, FS Kansas City, FS Detroit

PITCHING MATCHUP: Royals LH Eric Skoglund (0-2, 9.31 ERA) vs. Tigers LH Francisco Liriano (2-1, 2.55)

Skoglund has labored through his first two starts, primarily due to his lack of success against right-handed hitters, who are batting a robust .382 against him. He was tagged for five runs and six hits over 4 2/3 innings in his season debut against Seattle before allowing five runs and eight hits over five innings at Toronto on Tuesday. Skoglund won his only start against Detroit with 6 1/3 scoreless innings last season.

Liriano makes his fourth start of the season and his second against the Royals, having beaten them in his season debut with 6 2/3 innings of one-run ball. He turned in another quality start in his next outing but took the loss despite six innings of two-run ball before beating Baltimore last time out by yielding two runs in five innings. Liriano is 8-5 with a 4.16 ERA in 20 career appearances (17 starts) versus the Royals.

WALK-OFFS

1. Tigers 1B Miguel Cabrera is 8-for-16 in his last five games.

2. Royals CF Abraham Almonte is 5-for-10 during a three-game hitting streak.

3. Tigers RHP Warwick Saupold earned his first career save Saturday with 2 1/3 perfect innings.

PREDICTION: Tigers 5, Royals 4