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(Sports Network) - The Kansas City Royals try to start a season 2-0 for the first time since reeling off nine straight wins to kick off the 2003 campaign when they play the second contest of a three-game series against the Detroit Tigers today at Comerica Park.

Kansas City, like it did last year in Boston, got its season off on the right foot on Monday, as Tony Pena's RBI single in the 11th inning pushed the Royals to a 5-4 come-from-behind win over Detroit. Alex Gordon hit a two-run homer, while Mark Grudzielanek added three hits and an RBI for Kansas City, which made new manager Trey Hillman a winner in his big league debut.

Facing Denny Bautista, the Royals' Mark Teahen walked to start the 10th and moved to second on a sacrifice by Ross Gload. Teahen was cut down at the plate by Brandon Inge trying to score from second on a John Buck single, but Buck took second on the throw and eventually raced home with the go-ahead run on a bloop single to center by Pena.

Royals closer Joakim Soria put the tying run on third in the home half of the 11th, but was bailed out by a terrific play from Gordon at third to end the game.

Leo Nunez worked two scoreless innings to earn the win for Kansas City, while starter Gil Meche went six innings and allowed eight hits and three runs with four walks and five strikeouts.

Miguel Cabrera homered in his debut for the Tigers, who lost their season opener for the second straight year. Carlos Guillen went 3-for-5 with a solo home run, while Gary Sheffield and Renteria also knocked in runs for Detroit.

Detroit starter Justin Verlander was charged with four hits and four runs over six-plus innings, fanning six with a walk in the no decision.

The Tigers have not started a year with two straight losses since 2003, when they opened 0-9 en route to an AL-record 119 losses.

Heading to the hill today for the Royals will be 27-year-old right-hander Brian Bannister, who finished third last season in AL Rookie of the Year balloting. Bannister, acquired from the New York Mets prior to the start of last season, appeared in 27 games for the Royals and was 12-9 with a 3.87 earned run average.

Bannister has faced the Tigers three times in his young career and is 2-1 with a 2.55 ERA against them.

While Bannister will be entering his third season in the league, Detroit starter Kenny Rogers will be embarking on his 20th season in the majors. Last year was a lost one, though, for the 43-year-old Rogers, who made only 11 starts because of a shoulder injury and finished the campaign 3-4 with a 4.43 ERA.

The veteran southpaw has faced the Royals 55 times (34 starts) in his career and is 20-16 with a 3.92 ERA against them.

On the injury front, Kansas City will likely be without outfielder and leadoff hitter David DeJesus, who aggravated an ankle injury in Monday's win. Joey Gathright is expected to take his place.

Detroit won 11 of its 18 matchups with the Royals last season and is 35-21 in the series since the start of the 2005 campaign.

Kansas City is 13-16 in its last 29 contests in Motown.