The Royals got to Fulmer in the first with singles by Whit Merrifield and Mondesi, and Perez hit a three-run homer on the ensuing at-bat into the left field bullpen.

“You could tell the guys just kept coming and putting on pressure,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said.

Willi Castro hit a two-run home run for Detroit, his sixth of the season, to make it 3-2 in the third. Castro, Cabrera and Harold Castro had RBIs in the eighth off right-hander Josh Staumont, who gave up three runs and got just two outs.

Royals starter Kris Bubic allowed four runs, eight hits and three walks over 4 2/3 innings, striking out five. Jesse Hahn (1-0) got four outs and his first major league win since 2017, and Jake Newberry completed his first career save.

“I thought he looked good in the first,” Matheny said of Bubic. “Had a little trouble later, but overall he’s been making better pitches with the fastball. Newberry did a great job finishing for us.”

Soler scored Hunter Dozier on a double in the sixth, and Mondesi had a two-run single to extend the lead to 8-4.

Before the game, Royals OF Alex Gordon announced his retirement following this season. The second overall pick in 2005 will leave the game playing all 13 seasons for the Royals. He has won seven Gold Gloves, second most in franchise history behind Frank White’s eight.