Detroit, MI (Sports Network) - Mitch Maier's three-run triple capped a seven- run fifth inning, helping Kansas City to a 10-4 win over the Tigers to complete a sweep at Comerica Park.

Winners in 11 of their last 13 contests, the Royals moved a game ahead of Detroit for fourth place in the AL Central. Kansas City is trying to end the season out of the basement in the division after four straight last-place finishes.

Tony Pena and John Buck each delivered two RBI for the Royals, who outscored the Tigers 21-6 over the three-game series.

Brian Bannister (9-16) allowed seven hits in six shutout innings to win for just the second time in his last 12 decisions.

"The most satisfying thing this whole series has been how the team is playing," said Bannister. "The guys right now have a lot of fire and they're playing well together. They're giving the pitching staff a lot of confidence."

Nate Robertson (7-11) was dealt the loss after surrendering seven hits and eight runs -- seven earned -- over 4 2/3 innings. He also had control problems, walking four batters, including three in the pivotal fifth inning.

Placido Polanco belted a three-run homer and Mike Hessman added a solo shot for the Tigers, who have dropped six straight and 12 of their last 13 games.

"We're just in a offensive funk right now," said Tigers manager Jim Leyland. "Last Place, third or fourth, its a pride thing. We have no excuses, the guys are out there trying every night. We just can't get anything going."

Pena singled to right scoring Alex Gordon in the second inning, and Buck drove in Ryan Shealy with a base hit in the fourth.

Kansas City sent 11 men to the plate in the big fifth inning. Maier singled, and with one out, Esteban German walked before Mike Aviles singled to load the bases. Jose Guillen then beat out a potential double-play grounder for another run before Buck walked to load the bases again.

Chris Lambert then relieved Robertson, but he walked Pena, and Maier followed with a triple down the right-field line for the 9-0 cushion.

Joey Gathright's infield single drove in a run in the seventh before Hessman homered to left in the bottom of the inning off Kip Wells.

Polanco homered to left field with two outs in the ninth off Ron Mahay.