Johnny Damon and Brandon Inge both hit two-run doubles in a six-run sixth inning that helped the Detroit Tigers rally to an 8-4 victory over the Kansas City Royals in Monday’s season-opening game for both teams in Kansas City.

Damon’s double put Detroit ahead at 5-4 and Inge’s double capped the decisive inning.

Detroit’s big inning came immediately after 2009 American League Cy Young Award Winner Zack Grienke left the game. Greinke allowed two runs (one earned) and six hits in six innings before the Royals’ bullpen let the lead get away.

Kansas City led 4-1 after five innings on Yuniesky Betancourt’s two-run homer in the second and Billy Butler’s two-run single in the fifth.

But everything fell apart for the Royals in the seventh as Detroit touched up relievers Roman Colon, Robinson Tejeda (0-1) and Juan Cruz for six runs.

Tigers ace Justin Verlander allowed four runs and six hits in five innings. Reliever Joel Zumaya (1-0) picked up the victory and new bullpen closer Jose Valverde finished up with a scoreless ninth in a non-save situation.